Three security guards have been shot and killed while five other people sustained injuries during a gun battle, allegedly between two taxi associations in the Lusikisiki and Port St Johns areas of the Eastern Cape.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said at least three vehicles were also torched before police managed to arrest nine suspects.
Colonel Naidu said police would remain in the area until the situation stabilized.
Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, urged the feuding taxi associations operating in the two areas to work together “and find amicable solutions to their ongoing disagreements which are now culminating into tragic violence where lives are been lost”.
Lt Gen Mene also vehemently condemned the violence.
“Such lawlessness will not be tolerated as innocent lives are at risk. We immediately call on all stakeholders to come forward and engage in constructive discussions and urgently find a solution to avoid further loss of lives,” Lt Gen Mene said.
Police earlier stated that an 11-year-old boy was injured by a stray bullet but have since retracted that to state that the victim is a 21-year-old who was stabbed.
(This article was updated with a correction from SAPS)
