Police in South Africa are investigating a deadly shooting outside a secondary school in Cape Town that left a 14-year-old pupil and a taxi operator dead.
According to authorities, an unidentified gunman opened fire on a minibus taxi on Wednesday afternoon as the driver waited to collect students. The driver, 42, was fatally shot inside the vehicle. A 14-year-old girl was also killed after being struck multiple times in the chest while reportedly trying to flee the scene.
Two other pupils, aged 14 and 16, were injured — one shot in the back and the other grazed by a bullet. Both were taken to hospital for treatment.
The attack occurred outside Atlantis Senior Secondary as learners were leaving for the day, triggering panic among students and staff.
Police believe the shooting may be linked to ongoing turf battles between rival taxi associations — part of a long-running pattern of violence in South Africa’s highly competitive minibus taxi industry. Detectives, including members of the Taxi Violence Investigations Unit, are working to determine how many suspects were involved.
Western Cape officials condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable that schoolchildren continue to be exposed to violence stemming from taxi industry disputes.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced a reward of up to 100,000 rand ($6,400) for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Authorities say the slain taxi operator had previously survived an attempt on his life earlier this month.
The shooting has renewed concerns about safety around schools and the broader impact of taxi-related violence on communities. Investigations are ongoing.
