News24.com | Deadly KZN taxi attack claims three lives in Harding

Three people were killed when a taxi ferrying four passengers and a driver was ambushed in Harding on Tuesday.

• Three commuters died after their minibus taxi was attacked by gunmen on Tuesday.
• A taxi driver and another commuter are fighting for their lives in hospital.
• KwaZulu-Natal police are investigating three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. 

The police in KwaZulu-Natal have launched an investigation after a deadly taxi attack claimed the lives of three people in Harding, on Tuesday. 

It’s understood that the driver of the minibus taxi was ferrying four commuters from the KwaMachi area to Harding when a group of armed suspects ambushed the taxi in the Gundrifts area. 

“Harding police are investigating three counts of murder and two of attempted murder following an incident where five people were shot by unknown people,” said KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Nqobile Gwala.

Two people died at the scene while another died in hospital. 

Two others – including the taxi driver – were seriously injured and taken to hospital. 

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Sifiso Shangase, manager of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in KZN, has condemned the attack. 

“We send our condolences to the families of the deceased, and we further wish a speedy recovery to those in hospital,” Shangase told News24.

He said such attacks were harmful to the taxi industry's reputation.

“We call on all witnesses to share information with the police. If the attack is related to conflict within the industry, we wish to encourage dialogue as violence will only cause more harm,” he said. 

Shangase added that Santaco had conflict resolution structures and appealed to those affected to reach out to them. 

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