Two suspects in court for allegedly shooting e-hailing driver

Two suspects were arrested after an e-hailing driver was shot during what has been described as a taxi violence-related incident. Picture: Syndicate Protection Services

Two suspects were arrested after an e-hailing driver was shot during what has been described as a taxi violence-related incident. Picture: Syndicate Protection Services

Published Jul 29, 2024

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Durban — Two suspects alleged to have shot a man in a taxi violence incident were expected in court on Monday.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police in Phoenix arrested two suspects, aged 32 and 24, for attempted murder after an incident where a 33-year-old man was shot on Friday, July 26, at Mount Edgecombe Plaza.

“The suspects, who were found in possession of two firearms, were due to appear today (Monday) in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court.”

Details surrounding the incident are sketchy, especially where the victim was shot.

KZN VIP Protection Services spokesperson Gareth Naidoo said that at 2.30pm on Friday, gunshots were heard at Mount Edgecombe Plaza.

Naidoo said the victim, identified as the e-hailing driver, sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh.

“Response officers gave chase on foot, and mobile units were dispatched,” Naidoo said.

“After a short pursuit, the suspects’ vehicle was blocked in by Syndicate (Syndicate Protection Services) tactical units and members on foot.”

Naidoo said two suspects from a taxi association were arrested and two firearms were recovered.

Syndicate Protection Services said that in a swift and decisive action, it intervened in a violent altercation involving members of a taxi association and an e-hailing vehicle at a local shopping centre in Mt Edgecombe.

Syndicate Protection Services said the incident began when two taxi association members approached three individuals in an e-hailing vehicle. The suspects, driving a white Toyota Corolla, were attempting to leave the shopping complex when our vigilant security team intercepted and stopped them.

“Upon inspection, the two suspects were found in possession of two firearms and were immediately apprehended. It was revealed that they had approached the e-hailing vehicle for an unknown reason, leading to an altercation. The suspects shot one victim in the abdomen and assaulted two others, causing severe head injuries,” Syndicate Protection Services said.

It said injured victims were swiftly transported to a local hospital for urgent medical care.

“A SAPS case has been registered, and the suspects are now in custody, thanks to the prompt and professional response of our security members,” Syndicate Protection Services said.

“We extend our gratitude to all the role players who were on the scene. Your cooperation and bravery were instrumental in resolving this incident.”

Meanwhile, on its Facebook page, the KZN Ehailing Council asked for help in reaching the e-hailing driver who was shot.

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