Police in Gauteng have confirmed that a shooting incident at the Meyerton taxi rank on Tuesday morning was the result of a violent clash between two private security companies.
Meyerton taxi rank shooting: Here’s what we know
The incident, which occurred at a busy time when people were heading to work and school, left one security guard wounded and caused panic in the area.
According to the police, the shooting started when members of two different security companies exchanged gunfire at the taxi rank. It is believed that the companies involved were rivals, although the exact reason for the conflict has not been confirmed.
“One security officer was injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
The injured guard was reportedly on his first day of duty.
After the shooting, police searched the area and recovered several weapons. These included ten AK-47 rifles and nine pistols. Police are still investigating who owns these weapons and whether they were used legally.
“The motive of the shooting and the ownership of the firearms are subject to investigations,” Nevhuhulwi added.
At this stage, no one has been arrested.
The incident caused concern among the public, especially after messages began circulating on social media claiming that a school learner had been shot during the crossfire.
Police have since confirmed that no children were harmed by gunfire.
“The reports that one scholar was shot are not true,” said Nevhuhulwi.
“Our members went to the school and verified that no scholar was injured during the shooting.” She explained that one learner had a minor scratch on the leg, which likely happened while running from the scene.
Nevhuhulwi explained further, “It was during the time when people were going to work and kids were also going to school. One learner was found at the school, but he had a scratch on his leg. It is suspected that this happened when people were running.”
The Meyerton taxi rank is a busy transport area in the region, used by many commuters daily.
Tuesday’s events turned the space into what some described as a “war zone.”
Police have said investigations are ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.
