Police are combing the Cape Town Train Station and surrounds for evidence after a shooting left seven people injured on Monday. Photo: SAPS
Police are combing the Cape Town Train Station and surrounds for evidence after a shooting left seven people injured on Monday. Photo: SAPS
A woman in a wheelchair was among those injured when a gunman fired shots at the Cape Town Train Station earlier on Monday 23 November 2020, with authorities and the City’s law enforcement agencies investigating links between the violent incident and a feud between taxi associations.
A total of seven people were injured in the shooting, and the gunman was promptly arrested by one of the City’s traffic service officers.
Cape Town shooting leaves seven injured
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in the Western Cape, Brigadier Noloyiso Rwexana, said that investigating officers are now combing three separate scenes on Marine Drive, Strand and Buitenkant Street for clues.
“According to information unidentified suspects shot and wounded people at the station deck before fleeing in various directions while still discharging shots,” she said.
“Traffic official apprehended one suspect aged 31, and confiscated a firearm. Cases of attempted murder are under investigation. The suspect will appear in court once he has been charged.”
The station deck and surrounding area and roads have been temporarily closed.
Taxi war blamed for incident
Rwexana said that the “possibility that the incident is related to the taxi industry is not ruled out”, and sources have told The South African that the incident stems from a lingering dispute between members of the Sea Point and Langa taxi associations, with the former being in possession of sought after long distance travel permits not possessed by the Langa association.
The City of Cape Town also said that the incident is believed to be related to taxi association feuds, and commended their officer for having swiftly brought the gunman down.
“I must commend the traffic officer for his lightning response in pursuing and apprehending the gunman who was armed with a 9mm firearm. He didn’t think twice about running down an armed man so he could ensure no one else is injured and the criminal is caught,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
“His bravery has ensured that there will be justice for those who were shot. Our thoughts are with them and their families.”
