The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, has commended the police for the arrest of a suspect allegedly linked to aiding taxi violence in Olievenhoutbosch On Friday. Two white men were foundselling firearms at the Wierdabrug taxi rank, not far from Olievenhoutbosch. One suspect was caught while the other one fled the scene in a silver Grey Ford Ranger. The police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect who fled the scene.
The arrest comes after five people were shot dead and nine others were wounded in separate shooting incidents in Olievenhoutbosch and Wierdabrug on Monday 2 December 2019. Following the shooting incidents, MEC Mazibuko instructed the Heads of various law enforcement agencies in Gauteng to crack down on taxi violence and not rest until all those perpetrating the violence had been arrested.
“I applaud the police for the arrest of the suspect selling firearms to taxi drivers, thereby aiding taxi violence. As the Gauteng Government, we are concerned about the safety of public transport users, especially during the festive season as most people will be travelling to various destinations”, said MEC Mazibuko.
“We have therefore instructed all law enforcement agencies to work together in cracking down on taxi violence and to ensure that taxi ranks, malls, roads and other public spaces are safe for the people of Gauteng and our visitors”, she further stated.
