By
HON MOODLEY, IFP MPL KZN LEGISLATURE
The IFP strongly condemns the murder of 12 people associated with Ivory Park Taxi Association in Gauteng, in an ambush by gunmen on the R74 between Colenso and Weenen on Saturday whilst victims returned from a funeral of a taxi owner gunned down in Gauteng. The current situation is unacceptable and should be condemned in the strongest terms as it threatens the stability of the taxi industry as well as the safety of the commuters whom the industry serves. We are gravely concerned that many people in this industry continue to be butchered on a daily basis but no one gets arrested.
The impact of these atrocious assassinations‚ are far reaching as they undermine South Africa’s democracy‚ judiciary and fair economic competition as a whole. Therefore, investigation must go beyond those who pulled the trigger to the kingpins who play a conspicuous and powerful role ordering killings. Researchers from the Centre for Criminology at UCT established that the demand for hitmen is highest in the taxi industry and political sector in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. What is most disturbing is that there is a 36% increase in the recording of hits or assassinations in this province and our police are failing to get to the bottom of the problems.
This war cannot continue unabated, it is high time warlords are dealt with in the harshest possible terms. We expect Community Safety MEC Hon Kaunda to put a proper plan in place to dismantle the growing industry of hitmen and kingpins and how is he planning to resolving the route conflicts that lead to these killings and the increasing number of taxis in the province.
This growing taxi violence calls for a thorough investigation into the proliferation of illegal guns which criminals use with impunity. While the investigations are ongoing and police are trying to get to the bottom of this atrocity, we call on the taxi associations to remain calm.
We further urge communities to report anyone in possession of illegal firearms. The fight of eradicating illegal firearms in our communities is everyone’s responsibility and it must be the government’s key priorities. We urge government to mandate the Police department, Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster to accelerate the process of eradicating illegal firearms in this province.
Lastly, the IFP would like to commend the police for arresting a man who is allegedly linked to this massacre. They must work around the clock to apprehend all those behind this massacre.
The IFP sends it deepest condolences to the families of all the deceased and wishes speedy recovery to victims fighting for their lives in hospital.
I thank you
