IPTA RESPONDS TO SHOOTING INCIDENT DURING WATER PROTEST
The Ivory Park Taxi Association (IPTA) has distanced itself from a man seen firing a gun at residents during Thursday morning’s water protest in Ivory Park Extension 2.
A cellphone video shows the man, wearing the association’s reflector jacket, opening fire at demonstrators. The shocking footage has since gone viral, sparking outrage in the community.
IPTA General Secretary Eric Dlamini expressed shock at the footage, confirming the jacket belonged to the association but stressing that the shooter has not yet been identified.
“Once the gunman is identified, adequate action will be taken. No one has a right to open fire in public,” said Dlamini.
He added:
“At the moment, we can’t state categorically that he is one of our employees.”
Chairperson Vusi Macheke also condemned the shooting, insisting the association does not condone violence.
“Maybe the man could be someone who was fired for misconduct. Or he could be an opportunist trying to ruin the good name of our association.”
Macheke further highlighted IPTA’s professional standards, pointing out that drivers wear formal attire on Wednesdays and Fridays to demonstrate respect and trust to commuters.
Dlamini explained that Thursday’s unrest escalated after protesters locked the gates of the taxi rank and set tyres alight, preventing taxis from operating.
“Scores of our customers were stranded. Some community members attempted to burn three of our vehicles and threatened to stone them. Our employees responded and rescued the vehicles. Protesters then blocked the streets, preventing us from operating,” he said.
He added that IPTA members are also affected by the water shortages, which have left parts of Ivory Park without supply for weeks.
As of Friday evening, no case related to the shootings has been opened at Ivory Park Police Station.
The situation remains tense as residents demand lasting solutions to the ongoing water crisis.
