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North West cops search for attackers after three taxi association members murdered, six injured

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Police investigate the scene of a taxi-related shooting.
Police investigate the scene of a taxi-related shooting.
Sharon Seretlo, Gallo Images
  • Police are searching for the shooters behind a triple murder.
  • The three murder victims were members of a long-distance taxi association.
  • Six others were injured in the North West shooting.

North West police have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators behind a shooting in which three people were killed and six injured.

The incident took place in Orkney on Monday at around 19:00.

"Whilst on duty at the Community Service Centre (CSC), members heard gunshots not far from the police station, and moments thereafter a man who was bleeding profusely entered the CSC armed with a pistol. The victim told members that he was apparently shot at the Engen garage on the corner of Shakespeare and Flecker roads in Orkney," police spokesperson Captain Sam Tselanyane said.

Police officers immediately went to the scene, where they were told a white Ford Ranger with three occupants entered the filling station. It stopped next to a Toyota Fortuner parked near the exit. It had four occupants.

"The suspects allegedly fired shots toward the Fortuner as well as randomly, and that ultimately resulted in the fatal wounding of three of the occupants while the fourth victim managed to flee," Tselanyane said.

Bystanders injured

Five bystanders were also injured and transported to a local hospital.

"The motive for the attack is currently unknown and preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased were members of a long-distance taxi association operating between North West and the Eastern Cape province. No one has been arrested as yet, and the investigation into the matter continues," Tselanyane said.

Acting North West police commissioner Major General Dintletse Molefe has invoked a 72-hour action plan to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.

Police have urged anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators to contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Paul Ompie of the provincial Organised Crime Unit on 076 529 5025 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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