Durban — Inanda police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder after a taxi owner was gunned down and his passenger left injured in an early-morning shooting on Monday.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said that at 1.30am on Monday, police were called out to Ngoqokazi in Inanda where two people had been shot.
“The 60-year-old man was declared dead on the scene while the 33-year-old passenger was rushed to the hospital for medical attention,” Gwala said.
“A case of murder and attempted murder were opened at Inanda SAPS for further investigation.”
Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram said the taxi boss had been gunned down in a drive-by shooting.
Balram said that a member of the public arrived at Rusa headquarters at about 2.37am requesting assistance after he noticed a white Ford Ranger bakkie with multiple bullet holes down a steep embankment.
Fearing for his safety, the man did not conduct a wellness check on the occupants and drove to Rusa offices in Verulam to report his findings, Balram said.
He said Rusa officers proceeded to the location and on arrival found the Inanda SAPS in attendance. The Ford Ranger bakkie was discovered several metres down an embankment. It came to a stop after it crashed through an abandoned building.
“The driver was slumped in his seat and was pronounced deceased at the scene. He had been shot multiple times. It was alleged that a passenger in the vehicle was also shot but was transported privately to a medical facility. His condition could not be confirmed,” Balram said.
He said the deceased was confirmed to be a taxi owner from Stanger.
Balram added that the make, model and registration of the vehicle used in the shooting could not be confirmed.
Daily News