Violence Erupts at Port St Johns Taxi Rank, Businesses Forced to Shut Down

A shooting incident at the Border Alliance Taxi Association’s taxi rank in Port St Johns has led to a complete halt in the town’s activities. Businesses have been forced to shut down and learners heading to school were turned back due to violence. The deputy secretary and the organizer for the Business Forum in Port St Johns, Mbongeni Kotana, confirmed the situation, stating that law enforcement officers are now present to monitor the area.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has urged the feuding taxi associations in the Lusikisiki/Port St Johns areas to find amicable solutions to their ongoing disagreements, which have resulted in tragic violence and loss of lives. Mene strongly condemned such criminal behavior, emphasizing that lawlessness will not be tolerated as innocent lives are at risk.

Preliminary reports suggest that two taxi associations engaged in a shootout at the Port St Johns taxi rank this morning. It is alleged that three security officials from one taxi association in Lusikisiki were fatally injured, while five individuals from the Port St Johns side sustained gunshot wounds. An 11-year-old boy was hit by a stray bullet and is currently receiving medical treatment. Additionally, three vehicles were set on fire during the incident.

As a response to the violence, nine suspects have been arrested, and multi-disciplinary forces are now on the ground. Police will maintain a presence in the area until the situation stabilizes.