The shooting incident took place outside a local high school in Atlantis on Wednesday afternoon as learners were leaving.
Image: Supplied
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Western Cape has called on police to prioritise the taxi-related shooting in Atlantis that left two dead on Wednesday.
The shooting incident took place outside Atlantis Senior Secondary School in Palmer Avenue. Businessman Eugene Titus and a 14-year-old Grade 8 girl died at the scene, while two learners were left injured.
In a statement released on Friday afternoon, Santaco described the loss of life under such circumstances as devastating and wholly unacceptable.
The taxi council said no commuter, especially learners travelling to or from school, should be exposed to danger as a result of a suspected industry conflict.
Eugene Titus was a local businessman in the Atlantis area.
Image: Facebook
Santaco Western Cape chairperson, Mandla Hermanus, extended condolences on behalf of the taxi council.
“We are deeply saddened and outraged by this senseless act of violence that claimed innocent lives and traumatised an entire community. As Santaco Western Cape, we unequivocally condemn any actions that endanger commuters and undermine the stability of our industry.
“The protection of our passengers, especially children, is non-negotiable and remains our highest priority. We urge law enforcement to prioritise the case and pledge our support in efforts to get the perpetrators brought to book,” Hermanus said.
The taxi council further called for calm among affected parties and urged that any disputes be resolved through lawful and structured engagement processes.
A Grade 8 learner was struck during the shooting incident.
Image: Supplied
It further said it reaffirms its commitment to work with government and law enforcement agencies to restore stability and ensure accountability.
On Thursday, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced a R100,000 reward for any information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects involved in the shooting.
“We stand with the peace-loving residents of Atlantis who should not have to suffer because of the internal fights between taxi bosses. We mourn deeply together with the families of the victims, including the 14-year-old Grade 8 learner tragically gunned down this week.
“I have now instructed that the City offers a reward of up to R100,000 for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. Anyone who can help should please come forward, and may do so anonymously,” Hill-Lewis said.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith, said he had offered the assistance of the City’s Safety and Security Investigations Unit (SSIU) to support the investigation.
“Action must be taken against those responsible for this shooting. At the same time, the City is pushing to finalise amendments to the Traffic By-law so that we can act more decisively against vehicles operating illegally. I support the mayor’s call for a reward and call on the community of Atlantis to help us with information related to this killing,” Smith said.
Anonymous tip-offs are encouraged, and members of the public can call the 24/7 hotline at 0800 00 6992 or email: SSIMS.SSIUReporting@capetown.gov.za.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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