Mthatha taxi boss and his wife shot dead

A Mthatha taxi boss and his wife have been shot and killed at their home last night.

The killing of the pair, who were both members of Uncedo Service Taxi Association in Mthatha, had shocked those in the public transport industry, who said the killing came at a time there was not taxi war in the area.

Mthatha police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela said the shooting happened at around 7pm  last night.

"The  couple  were entering their homes in Mbuqe Extension and the man was  opening the gate when three men  armed with assault rifles opened fire and kill the couple instantly," said Fatyela.

He said  police found 16 spent cartridges of R5 rifle at the scene.

The 64-year-old man and his 56-year-old wife are well-known in the taxi industry in the province, but police have requested that their names be withheld for now.

Those in the taxi industry have strongly condemned the killing and asked for calm among taxi bosses.

"There are no arrests at the moment and we appeal to anyone with information to please come forward," said Fatyela.