Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Seven killed in South African taxi ambush

Ap
Wednesday 12 April 2000 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Seven people were killed when gunmen ambushed and opened fire on a minibus taxi in South Africa.

The taxi was travelling on a dirt road near a sugar plantation in the Kranskop district, 47 miles north of Durban, when an unknown number of men jumped in front of the vehicle and opened fire, police spokesman Henry Budhram said.

AK 47 and 9 mm ammunition cartridges were found at the scene.

The shooting was thought to be related to ongoing taxi violence, Budhram said. The victims - six men and one woman - lived in the area where the shooting occurred.

South Africa's minibus taxi industry is riddled with poor safety and violent battles between the fiercely competitive companies. The minibuses are a major means of transportation for many poor black people.

The South African government is trying to revamp the industry by replacing the vehicles with larger, safer buses. Many drivers have demonstrated against the plan, saying it will bring vast unemployment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in