File
Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, has condemned the taxi violence that has flared up in the Port St Johns area.
On Tuesday police reported that three security officials from a taxi association were killed in a shooting at a rank in the seaside town, while five others were wounded.
According to spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, an 11-year-old boy was hit by a stray bullet and taken to a hospital for treatment, while nine suspects were arrested following the incident.
Three vehicles were also torched.
Naidu said multi-disciplinary forces are on the ground and law enforcement will remain in the area until the situation stabilises.
Meanwhile, in a subsequent statement, Mabuyane said the incident between the Border Alliance Taxi Association and Uncedo has “placed the lives of civilians at risk.”
He noted that tensions were “at an all-time high between the warring factions since last week” warning that violence will not be tolerated.
“What we are witnessing unfold in Port St. John’s is anarchy of the highest order. Law enforcement authorities have been deployed to restore normality in the area.
“We are calling for a ceasefire between the two groups. Any continued assault from either of the warring groups will bear tough consequences,” Mabuyane warned.
