Cata deputy chairperson, killed amid ongoing taxi violence in Nyanga
Western Cape police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the latest taxi shooting that claimed the life of Cata's deputy chairperson, Mnikeli Mgope.
Image: File Photo
Cata deputy chairperson, Mnikeli Mgope, has become the latest victim of the escalating taxi violence in the province. The 61-year-old was shot dead on Wednesday night at the Nyanga taxi rank while seated inside his white Toyota Fortuner.
The killing comes amid renewed violence over the disputed Somerset West–Khayelitsha route between Cata and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta).
Although the two rival associations signed a peace agreement in June, tensions reignited soon afterwards, leaving more than 10 taxi owners and drivers dead. According to insiders, Mgope had been operating in the Wynberg area.
Moments after Mgope’s killing, two other taxi-related shootings were reported in Nyanga. Two men were attacked while sitting inside a vehicle in Amsterdam Road, Brown’s Farm.
A 42-year-old man was fatally wounded, while a 34-year-old man was rushed to the hospital.
Western Cape police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed the incidents.
“The circumstances surrounding the shooting incident on Wednesday night, September 10, at approximately 8:10 at the Nyanga taxi rank, Sithandatu Avenue, where a 61-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded, are under investigation,” he said.
“According to reports, police members were busy with patrols when they heard gunshots going off. The members drove in the direction of the taxi rank, where they found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. The victim was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. The motive for the attack is believed to be taxi-related.”
Mnikeli Mgope's car parked at the Nyanga taxi rank, where he was shot and killed.
Image: Supplied
Twigg said Nyanga police also opened murder and attempted murder dockets following the Amsterdam Road shooting at 8.20pm.
“Police members responded to a complaint of a shooting, and upon arrival on the scene, they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies. The 42-year-old victim was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victim was taken to a medical facility for treatment. The motive for the attack is believed to be taxi-related. The yet to be identified suspect/s are yet to be arrested,” he said.
Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.
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Cape Argus