Western Cape commuters and residents in Atlantis are living in fear as a taxi war turns their kasi into a danger zone.
This comes after two taxi bosses were shot and killed at the Atlantis taxi rank on Tuesday, 24 February evening, during peak hour.
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Residents say innocent people, including school kids and workers, are caught in the crossfire.
Police spokesman Captain Frederick Van Wyk confirmed the deadly shooting.
“Atlantis police registered two counts of murder case following a shooting incident on Tuesday, 24 February at 6pm at the Witsand taxi rank, in which two males aged 30 and 42 were shot and fatally wounded,” he said.
Van Wyk said cops found one man dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. Another victim was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.
“Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation.”
Residents say violence started weeks ago and has made life unbearable.
A commuter who witnessed the shooting said she feared for her life
“I had just arrived with a taxi from Cape Town, and as I was getting off, gunshots started. The shooters were not far from us, and we scrambled as we ran for cover. These taxi wars are just something else,” she said.
Residents said nobody is safe when shootings start.
They said bullets fly everywhere, putting the lives of children, workers, and ordinary people at risk.
A taxi driver blamed the conflict on route disputes between Codeta and local Atlantis taxi operators.
“They do not have a permit for the route, but they are transporting people by force, and this is causing a blood bath.”
“As drivers, we also fear for our lives because when you drive on this route, you also become a target,” said the 39-year-old driver.
The shootings have left many residents traumatised. Some said they now avoid taxi ranks and fear travelling after dark.
Codeta taxi association spokesman Makosandile Tumana said they are aware of the incident.
He said the leadership will meet to discuss the situation and promised to update SunTeam.
Meanwhile, cops have transferred the case to the Provincial Taxi Violence Investigations Unit.
Van Wyk urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop.
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Residents are now calling for urgent intervention before more lives are lost.
They fear the violence will continue unless authorities step in to restore peace in Atlantis.
