In a decisive move against escalating taxi violence in the Eastern Cape, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified efforts, resulting in the recovery of 39 unlicensed firearms and numerous arrests. The operations, led by specialized units, aimed to curb the recent surge in shooting incidents believed to be linked to taxi disputes.

Last week's crackdown yielded significant outcomes, with law enforcement seizing a variety of weapons, including AK assault rifles, R5 rifles, shotguns, and pistols. In total, 17 individuals were arrested for possessing unlicensed firearms, while an additional 90 suspects were apprehended for the possession of unlicensed ammunition. The police also took legal action against 22 licenced firearm owners for violating the Firearms Control Act.

A noteworthy arrest during these operations involved a 41-year-old taxi owner implicated in various criminal activities related to taxi violence, extortion, murders, and robberies in the Amathole District and beyond the Eastern Cape. The suspect was taken into custody in Idutywa on January 18 and found in possession of an AK-47 rifle with loaded magazines and live rounds of ammunition (R5 rifle). The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Idutywa Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January 22, facing charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, with the possibility of additional charges emerging as the investigation progresses.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene emphasised a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness, stating that innocent lives are at risk. He urged the leaders of taxi associations to engage in constructive discussions, collaborate, and urgently find peaceful solutions to prevent further bloodshed.

In response to the involvement of private security companies in the taxi feud, Lt. Gen. Mene announced plans to engage the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to address the complex dynamics contributing to the violence.

Opinion: The decisive action by the SAPS is a crucial step towards restoring order and ensuring the safety of innocent lives. It underscores the need for collaborative efforts, not only among law enforcement agencies but also within the taxi industry itself, to address the root causes of the ongoing violence. The engagement with PSIRA signifies a broader recognition of the multifaceted nature of the issue and the importance of involving relevant stakeholders in finding lasting solutions.

Source: saps