Police in Nelson Mandela Bay are urging social media users to once again exercise caution and responsibility when using social media platforms especially in situations as sensitive as the recent taxi blockade in Kamesh this morning.

A video depicting a fatal accident that claimed three lives in Kariega this morning was posted with an accompanying voice note that a taxi driver had been shot and killed. These are two different incidents and no taxi driver was shot and killed.

The facts are as follows: It is alleged that on Tuesday, 03 October 2023, three suspects were picked up along the way by a taxi in Kamesh and when the 44-year-old driver stopped his taxi on the main road, three males produced a firearm and pointed it at the driver. The day’s takings and cellphones belonging to passengers were taken. One suspect fired a shot at the driver, but the bullet went through the roof without hitting anyone. A case of attempted murder and robbery aggravating was opened for further investigation.

At about 11:30
this morning, taxi drivers blockaded the road near the police station emphasising their safety and non-service by the police. A meeting was held between the drivers and senior police officers from the station and the Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner’s office. Their concerns were noted and a task team from SAPS Kamesh detectives were set up to immediately track, trace and arrest the suspects involved in the robberies in the taxis. An internal probe will also be conducted as to the non-service by some members.

Police are warning people to refrain from spreading unconfirmed information and to verify information from credible sources. False information can lead to panic, misinformation, and unnecessary fear within our community.

Source: South African Police Service