Taxi violence claims one life
2008-02-29 13:02
Johannesburg - Police had to land a helicopter near the Rivonia Road off-ramp on the N1 highway in Johannesburg on Friday morning, to stop a shoot-out between two rival taxi associations.
A taxi driver was shot dead in the gun battle.
"Two people also involved in the incident were critically injured and taken to Sunninghill Hospital ... Members from both associations were shooting at each other on the highway," said Captain Phillip Maganedisa.
Members involved in the shoot-out moved away from the scene when police arrived. However, 13 people were arrested.
They were being detained at Sandton Police Station.
Police are still searching for more people.
Maganedisa said the two associations were fighting over taxi routes.
"Associations want the routes for themselves, it means more money ... this is what has sparked the violence," he said.
No civilians were hurt during the shoot-out. Traffic was backed up on the highway, as police and paramedics cleared the scene.
Three pistols and ammunition were recovered.
- SAPA