A deadly mass shooting erupted at the Nyanga taxi rank in Cape Town on Tuesday morning, leaving one person dead and seven others injured. The swift response by law enforcement resulted in 19 security guards being detained for questioning, and 13 rifles along with seven handguns were confiscated, potentially preventing further violence in the area.
Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the shooting is believed to stem from an intra-taxi association conflict.
“Police intelligence operatives, the National Intervention Unit, K-9, the drone unit, and the provincial combat team were monitoring activities near the Nyanga taxi rank when shots were exchanged between rival groups,” Potelwa explained.
Due to the police’s proactive deployment, additional violence was averted. The victim who died at the scene was identified as a taxi security guard. Seven others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention.
The provincial taxi task team has taken over the investigation, which includes a murder case and seven cases of attempted murder. Authorities are also collaborating with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) to verify the legality of the confiscated firearms and the credentials of the security companies involved.
Potelwa added that police have increased their presence in Nyanga and other potential hotspots. Meanwhile, scores of commuters were stranded in the aftermath of the shooting.
Investigations are ongoing as police work to restore calm and ensure the safety of residents and commuters.
