A senior taxi rank manager and a female passenger were killed in a shooting near the Palm taxi rank in Delft South. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon. Police suspect the attack was targeted and linked to ongoing taxi industry tensions.
Zwelakhe Lingani, aged 50, was identified as the CODETA rank manager who lost his life in the attack. The shooting took place close to the busy Palm taxi rank, an area known for high commuter traffic. According to initial reports, both Lingani and a woman travelling with him were fatally wounded at the scene.
Police arrived shortly after the incident and cordoned off the area to begin their investigation. The circumstances suggest the attack was not random, but rather a deliberate act. Authorities are working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting.
The Western Cape taxi industry has experienced ongoing conflict, often resulting in violence. Police have indicated that this latest incident is believed to be related to disputes within the sector. Investigators are focusing on possible motives connected to taxi operations in the region.
A police spokesperson confirmed,
“Police are investigating the incident, believed to be taxi-related.”
This statement highlights the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing violence linked to taxi associations.
Residents in Delft South expressed shock following the shooting, which took place in a public area during daylight hours. The loss of a prominent taxi rank manager has raised concerns about safety for both commuters and those working in the industry. Community leaders have called for increased police visibility and intervention to prevent further violence.