Daily Sun (July 13 2015) - THE TAXI boss’ deal was simple. The driver had to return the taxi with a full tank of fuel and the money earned every day at 6pm.
But on Thursday, the driver didn’t have enough money.
SO THE TAXI BOSS ALLEGEDLY PULLED OUT A A GUN AND SHOT THE DRIVER DEAD.
WHEN other taxi drivers from Zola, Soweto heard what had happened they went on the rampage.
They torched two houses belonging to the alleged killer and smashed the windows of his car.
“We won’t allow this man’s vehicles back on the roads,” said taxi driver Thomas Ntuli.
“He abuses everyone who works for him and we’ve had enough.”
After the owner was arrested and charged with murder, allegations started circulating that he had previously shot two other drivers. Those drivers survived.
The taxi owner’s rule was that his drivers had to park his taxis in the yard every evening at 6pm.
The vehicles had to be filled with petrol and R800 in cash had to be handed over.
Any money left over belonged to the driver.
So when the driver brought less than R800 on Thursday night, the taxi owner allegedly got furious and shot the driver dead.
Police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Katlego Mogale said a case of arson was opened after taxi drivers set alight a Toyota Cressida belonging to the suspect.
“Petrol bombs were also thrown into a house, forcing children inside to hide in a back room,” she said.
“The windows at another house belonging to the taxi owner were broken and a group of men tried to set alight a Mercedes-Benz but the fire was put out.”
In Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, police were looking for two men who shot dead a taxi owner in Maphupheni on Friday.
The victim, Mfana Nkosi (53) was approached by two men and shot dead.
His son, who didn’t want to be named, was with him at the time. He said: “They didn’t say anything. They simply came up to him and started shooting.”
Another taxi owner said: “Once you start saying what you think about some things, you are killed.”
Police Captain Pearl van Staad said a case of murder was opened but no arrests were made.
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