Taxi industry: Gauteng police arrest suspect linked to series of killings

The Gauteng Traffic Police’s Public Transport Intervention Unit together with the members of the South African Police Service POPS Unit arrested a 37-year -old suspect who is allegedly linked to a series of killings in the taxi industry in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni policing precinct on Tuesday 29 June. 

SUSPECT LINKED TO TAXI INDUSTRY INCIDENT IN TSHWANE 

Arrive Alive released a statement on Wednesday saying that the Gauteng taxi industry has, in recent times, been marred by incidents of violent killings of taxi owners and operators. 

“The suspect is allegedly linked to an incident that happened last year in Tshwane district, outside Pretoria Pathology services where a Traffic officer belonging to Gauteng Traffic Police and a member of SAPS were injured. One person also lost his life during the incident,” it said. 

During his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition, however, an investigation into the suspected serial killer in the taxi industry continues at this stage. 

The suspect is expected to appear in court shortly to face relating to murder, illegal possession of firearm and live ammunition. 

CONFIDENT THAT INVESTIGATION TEAM WILL UNEARTH MORE INFORMATION 

Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson Sello Maremane said the Gauteng traffic police commend the work of the members belonging to the Public Transport Intervention Unit and SAPS for acting swiftly to arrest the suspect linked to a series of killings in the taxi industry. 

“The Gauteng Traffic Police will continue [to] enforce the rule of law and order in the taxi industry without fear or [favour]. We are confident that the investigation team will unearth more information to ensure that the suspect receives a harsher sentence. Lastly, we appeal to taxi operators not to take the law into their own hands by killing each other in an effort to resolve their conflicts,” added Sello Maremane. 

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