The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda has ordered a full investigation into the murder of 11 people who were killed in Colenso, near Ladysmith returning from the funeral of a Gauteng taxi operator near Greytown.
Kaunda who visited the scene in Colenso today, has strongly condemned the incident and committed the police to work around the clock to ensure that suspects are apprehended and face the full might of the law. On behalf of the provincial government Kaunda expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the 11 deceased and wished the four victims who survived a speedy recovery.
Kaunda also distanced the incident from the ongoing taxi conflicts in Ladysmith which have resulted in the suspension of some operations belonging to the Sizwe and Klipriver Taxi Associations. “We have not found any link that this incident is related with the taxi conflicts in Ladysmith or anywhere else in the province. The areas have been stable since government intervened in the area. There are strong indications however that this incident is related with taxi conflict in Gauteng,” said Kaunda.
Police are currently investigating 11 murder and two attempted murder cases. Investigations have been taken over by the provincial police task team.
Kaunda said government will continue to encourage taxi operators to resolve their dispute through constructive engagement instead of resorting to violence. “Working with SANTACO, we have intervened and resolved a number of conflicts within the taxi industry to ensure that it continues to contribute in the economic growth of the province. We are pleased that in all areas where we have intervened such as KwaDukuza, Maphumulo, Nongoma, Newcastle and Esigodini in Pietermaritzburg, there is stability and we are now able to detect violent incidents before they occur,” said Kaunda.
Through the Interprovincial Provincial Task Team constituted by six neighbouring provinces such as Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Free State and Limpopo, Kaunda will interact with his counterpart to ensure that issues relating to taxi conflicts affecting the provinces continue to receive urgent attention.