Seven individuals have been killed in two separate shootings in South Africa, both linked to ongoing taxi association rivalries.
Authorities reported four deaths at a Johannesburg taxi rank on Thursday. This incident followed a similar attack in Katlehong on Wednesday, claiming three lives.
Armed men opened fire at the Jeppestown taxi rank in central Johannesburg, targeting drivers, queue managers, and hawkers.
Three others, including a student and a passenger, sustained injuries. Police suspect the violence stems from conflicts within the lucrative minibus taxi industry.
The previous day’s shooting in Katlehong saw three taxi drivers fatally shot, with two passengers wounded.
Police reports indicate a group of assailants opened fire indiscriminately.
These incidents highlight the persistent violence plaguing South Africa’s taxi sector.
South Africa faces a high national murder rate, with an average of approximately 75 killings daily.
Official statistics often fail to differentiate deaths resulting from the long-standing taxi wars.