In a shocking incident that has rattled the Mbombela community, a 23-year-old taxi driver, Mzakhe Mgiba from Alexandria, was gunned down on Thursday night by a passenger.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said at approximately 6.30pm, police received information about a shooting along the Marite main road, in Calcutta.

Ndubane said when officers arrived at the scene, they found a white Quantum minibus taxi with a man lying on the driver’s seat, showing no signs of life.

“The body had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and about five 9mm empty cartridges were found inside the taxi.”

A witness, also a passenger, reported that the taxi driver stopped to pick up a male hitchhiker, who had signalled for a lift.

This occurred after the taxi departed a filling station on the Marite main road, but before it reached the turn-off to Madras, said Ndubane.

“As the taxi drove toward Alexandria, and just before reaching the first speed hump, the hitchhiker suddenly opened fire at the driver. The vehicle lost control and came to a stop.”

Ndubane said the suspect then exited the taxi and fled on foot.

“The witness managed to escape as well. Bystanders who arrived at the scene turned off the taxi’s engine.”

However, he said the witness sustained an injury to his right upper arm and was taken to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.

Police confirmed that all relevant stakeholders attended the scene.

The motive for the killing is unknown, and investigations continue.

In a separate and unrelated incident, Provincial SAPS Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the brutal killing of Bonginkosi Mdluli, 42, and the injuring of two others on Friday at approximately 12.30pm, at the Numbi Trust in Masoyi.

Detailing the incident, Ndubane said police received information about a shooting at Numbi, and upon their arrival, they discovered a white bakkie without a canopy, riddled with multiple high-calibre and 9mm bullet holes on the driver’s side window and door.

Inside the vehicle, officers found Mdluli, showing no sign of life, lying across the front seat with multiple gunshot wounds.

“According to information from onlookers, there were two other men in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. Both were seriously injured and were taken to a nearby clinic by community members using private transport.”

Police immediately proceeded to the clinic, where they interviewed the two victims.

“They reported that they had received a lift from the deceased when three unknown men approached on foot and started shooting at them without saying a word before fleeing the scene.”

A case of murder and two counts of attempted murder has been opened. The suspects are still at large.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist in the investigation to contact Detective Captain David Hlatshwayo on 076 451 5495 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Information can also be shared via the MySAPS App. 

karen.singh@inl.co.za

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