The Midvaal community was left in shock over the weekend following a violent incident, Meyerton Taxi Rank Shooting, where multiple shots were fired, prompting swift action by law enforcement. In a major breakthrough, police seized 10 AK-47s, two pistols, and over 170 rounds of ammunition in connection with the shooting, which is now the subject of an attempted murder investigation.
Meyerton Taxi Rank Shooting: Immediate Police Action
According to Brigadier Brenda Muridili, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers received an alert about gunshots being fired indiscriminately at the Meyerton taxi facility on the morning of Saturday, 18 May 2025.
“The police received information about people firing shots indiscriminately at the taxi rank. Task teams were activated, and upon searching a house linked to the suspects, the weapons were recovered,” said Muridili.
The subsequent operation led officers to a residence allegedly tied to the suspects, where the cache of illegal firearms and ammunition was discovered. Two vehicles believed to have been used in the commission of the crime were also confiscated. As of this writing, no arrests have been confirmed, and police investigations are ongoing.
A Pattern of Violence in the Taxi Industry
While shocking, this incident is not isolated. South Africa’s taxi industry has been riddled with violent rivalries, often fuelled by disputes over routes, associations, and commuter territories. According to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), the use of high-powered rifles such as AK-47s is becoming increasingly common in taxi-related attacks.
Dr Guy Lamb, a security expert and researcher, previously noted: “The use of high-calibre weapons like AK-47s in taxi violence demonstrates how deeply entrenched criminal networks have become in parts of the transport sector.”
The SAPS 2023/24 crime report shows a concerning trend, with several provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape, showing spikes in transport-related shootings. In a similar incident earlier this year, police seized an AK-47 from a suspect involved in a shooting at the Jeppe taxi rank in Johannesburg
Community Fear and Calls for Tighter Controls
Residents in the Midvaal area expressed concern over the brazen nature of the shooting, which occurred in a densely populated commuter hub. Many have called for increased police visibility and tighter control over illegal firearms.
“We fear going to work or sending our children to school because of these shootings. It’s not just a taxi issue anymore – it’s affecting the whole community,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons.
Civil society organisations have also reiterated the need for stronger firearm control legislation and better enforcement of existing laws. The Gun Free South Africa organisation has long advocated for stricter oversight of gun ownership and storage, especially in volatile sectors like public transport.
What Happens Next?
Police have opened cases of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and possession of ammunition. SAPS continues to urge the public to come forward with any information that may assist in apprehending the suspects involved in the Meyerton Taxi Rank Shooting.
“We appeal to members of the public with any knowledge about the incident to report it via the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111,” Muridili added.
The Midvaal Local Municipality is expected to convene a community safety forum in the coming days to address public concerns and explore strategies for preventing further violence.
The Police Seize 10 AK-47s operation in Meyerton highlights the serious threat posed by armed conflict within the taxi industry. This latest incident serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for a coordinated response from government, law enforcement, and civil society to restore safety and accountability.
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