Police are investigating a suspected taxi-related assassination after four men were gunned down while changing a flat tyre in Nyanga, Cape Town, on Saturday night.
The victims were travelling in a Toyota Avanza along Old Klipfontein Road when they stopped at around 9.55pm to repair a puncture. Moments later, unknown gunmen opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.
All four men died from multiple gunshot wounds and were declared dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that detectives from the Serious Violent Crime Unit have opened four murder cases.
“Preliminary reports indicate that at approximately 21:55, the victims were travelling in a Toyota Avanza along Old Klipfontein Road when they stopped to repair a flat tyre. While they were attending to the vehicle, they came under attack by unknown gunmen who opened fire on them,” Traut said.
He added that the motive is believed to be linked to the taxi industry, although investigators are still working to establish the exact circumstances behind the attack.
“The motive for the attack is believed to be taxi-related; however, this will form part of the ongoing police investigation,” Traut said.
No arrests have been made.
Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tips through the MySAPS mobile application.
The latest killings come amid ongoing concerns over violence within parts of the Western Cape taxi industry. Authorities have repeatedly warned that disputes between rival operators continue to fuel deadly attacks despite several peace initiatives aimed at ending bloodshed.
As of Monday morning, police had not announced any arrests or identified suspects. Investigators are continuing to follow all available leads, with the Serious Violent Crime Unit leading the probe.
