KwaMashu, north of Durban, was rocked by yet another brutal killing on Saturday evening, as a prominent taxi boss was gunned down in cold blood outside his home.
The victim, known to the community as a humble and friendly man who owned several taxis operating under the name 'Young Money', was shot multiple times by unknown assailants.
The chilling incident unfolded shortly after the taxi boss had stepped out of his home. An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, recounted the horrifying scene: "I had just stepped out of my home with my friend when a car drove past us and stopped opposite the taxi boss's home. The next thing there were gunshots.
"My friend and I ran into a nearby house. We were so scared that we didn't even notice what type of car it was. But we remember that it stopped and fired shots," he said.
The eyewitness, still visibly shaken by the experience, expressed his fear of speaking further, fearing for his own safety.
A neighbour, who also requested anonymity, described the scene: "The shots were fired several times. When I went out, I saw him lying dead near his car," she said.
She confirmed that the taxi boss was well-known in the community, owning several taxis that operated in Richmond Farm and the Durban CBD.
"He was a humble taxi boss who cared for his neighbours and was friendly. His taxis were written 'Young Money'," she said.
The neighbour added that the taxi boss lived with his nephews and nieces.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed the incident, stating that police in KwaMashu are investigating a case of murder.
"Police responded to reports of a shooting and upon arrival at the scene, the man was found lying on Nogolantethe Road with multiple gunshot wounds. It is reported that his next of kin heard gunshot sounds and when they went out to investigate, they saw a vehicle driving away," he said.
The suspects remain unknown, and the motive for the killing is yet to be established.
This latest incident adds to the growing list of violent crimes in KwaMashu, a community plagued by taxi violence and gang activity. The execution-style killing of the taxi boss has raised concerns about the safety and security of residents.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
