MEDIA STATEMENT

STATEMENT ON ESIKHAWINI TAXI KILLINGS

The MEC for Transport in KwaZulu-Natal, Sbu Ndebele condemns in strongest terms the gruesome killing of eleven people and twenty-four others injured during a shoot-out at Empangeni taxi tank today. It is believed that the motive of these killings is a recent taxi feud between "A" Rank Taxi Association and Esikhawini Taxi Association over Esikhawini/Empangeni route.

Mr Ndebele had subsequently visited the scene of the incident, the injured at Empangeni hospital and later a meeting was held with local political leadership, councillors, SAPS and stakeholders this afternoon.

After a thorough assessment Mr Ndebele said, "we are moving immediately to close all taxi operations at Empangeni as from tomorrow, Friday, 05 November 1999. Workers, students and other taxi commuters should seek alternative transport. No business in more important than human lives. Innocent lives were lost whose only crime was to be in a taxi rank. We will impound any taxi operating as from tomorrow - these are powers entrusted upon me by the KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Taxi Act.

He added, "We'll immediately start negotiations with the taxi operators in the area. Taxi operations will resume normal operations once the situation has stabilised. It is unfortunate that many law abiding taxi operators have to be affected. In the meantime, busses will be organised to assist in this regard.

In this regard, Minister Ndebele sends his deepest condolences to the families, friends and relatives of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.

Mr Ndebele also applauded the police swift action as there are some whom they have already apprehended.

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