The Gauteng Traffic Police’s Public Transport Intervention Unit together with the members of the South African Police Service POPS Unit arrested a 37-year -old suspect linked to a series of killings in the taxi industry yesterday in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni policing precinct.
The Gauteng taxi industry has in recent times been marred by incidents of violent killings of taxi owners and operators. The suspect is allegedly linked to an incident which happened last year in Tshwane district, outside Pretoria Pathology services where a Traffic officer belonging to Gauteng Traffic Police and a member of SAPS were injured. One person also lost his life during the incident.
During his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition. An investigation into the suspected serial killer in the taxi industry continues at this stage. The suspect is expected to appear in court shortly to face relating to murder, illegal possession of firearm and live ammunition.
“The Gauteng Traffic Police commend the work of the members belonging to the Public Transport Intervention Unit and SAPS in the province for acting swiftly to arrest the suspect linked to a series of killings in the taxi industry,” said Sello Maremane, Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson.
“The Gauteng Traffic Police will continue enforce the rule of law and order in the taxi industry without fear or fear. We are confident that the investigation team will unearth more information to ensure that the suspect receives a harsher sentence. Lastly, we to appeal to taxi operators not to take the law into their own hands by killing each other to resolve their conflicts,” added Sello Maremane.
