The police are investigating the murder of Tshwane Meter Taxi Association chairperson Steven Ngobeni, who was shot and killed on Tuesday evening.
Ngobeni fell victim to a senseless act of violence at the Bosman bus depot parking area on Paul Kruger Street in Pretoria central.
The incident, classified as a case of taxi violence, unfolded about 8pm.
According to police reports, the first responders were on parade at the depot’s office when gunshots pierced the air.
Rushing to the scene, they discovered Ngobeni, clad in black attire, lying motionless on the ground, having succumbed to gunshot wounds.
The police said eyewitnesses identified a fleeing suspect as the alleged assailant, and was later identified as Sihle Sibisi from Inanda in KwaZulu-Natal.
The situation escalated as police attempted to apprehend Sibisi at the nearby Bosman taxi rank.
Officers threatened
Despite commands to surrender, Sibisi allegedly brandished a firearm, prompting officers to respond with gunfire.
He sustained injuries to his thigh and hand before being subdued and taken into custody.
“The suspect turned around with his firearm and pointed it in the direction of both SAPS [SA Police Service] members,” according to police.
“W/O [warrant officer] Nkhabutle then fired three rounds and Sgt [sergeant] Choke [fired] two rounds at the suspect. The suspect was shot in the right thigh and left hand.
“After he fell and dropped his firearm, he was apprehended by the SAPS members. The firearm used by the suspect is a Baretta Z88 pistol with the serial number removed.
“A total of 12 rounds was still in the magazine.”
Tensions between rival taxi groups
So far, investigations have revealed a potential motive stemming from tensions between meter taxi personnel and drivers affiliated with ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber.
Seemingly, the deceased was caught in the crossfire of escalating tensions, shedding light on the volatile nature of the taxi industry.
“It was mentioned that on 2024-04-29 during the day there was a commotion between the meter taxi personnel and the Bolt/Uber drivers about picking up of passengers at Bosman bus depot and the deceased always wanted issues to be resolved peacefully.
“At this stage, the motive [for the killing] is unknown but violence between Bolt/Uber and meter taxi personnel cannot be ruled out.”
