Well known Taxi boss shot dead in KZN
Taxi wars in South Africa seem to have no sign of ending as another well-known taxi boss was gunned down in northern KZN last night.
His name was Mtukabongwa Zungu, but known to many with his nickname as Nkalankala, from Osuthu Village in Nongoma in KwaZulu Natal.
He was returning from a funeral and stopped in Nongoma CBD when an unknown assailant approached his car and fired several shots at him. He died in his car.
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Reports indicate the 76-year-old man was allegedly involved in Nongoma taxi violence in 2005 and was arrested in 2018, in connection with the murder of Thami Nyembe in 2016.
South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in KZN office manager Sifiso Shangase said he heard about the incident.
He revealed that the deceased worked in the Nongoma Taxi Association for many years and he operated both local and long-distance taxis.
He said the association is shocked by the death of Zungu and called for calm over the situation to avoid a further escalation of violence.
“We’re not sure why he was killed. We appeal to people to calm down and allow cops to do their work. If there’s anyone who has information as to why Zungu was killed, and who killed him, that person must contact the police,” he said.
The association sent its condolences to the Zungu family.
Police spokesperson in KZN Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed that the Nongoma police are seized the matter and investigations are underway.
Police revealed that Gwala was shot at 3.40pm, while he was sitting in his Toyota Quantum in Kwallongoma and died on the scene.
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Well known Taxi boss shot dead in KZN