The Western Cape Government Health (WCGH’s) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) said its members were shot at while responding to a fatal scene at a taxi rank in Vredebes, Ceres, where five people were killed on Tuesday morning.

According to Western Cape EMS spokesperson Deanna Bessick, EMS responded to the Ceres taxi rank where four people had sustained fatal injuries and another critically injured patient was transported to a nearby hospital.

“The call for assistance came through at 7:01 and two ambulances and a rescue vehicle was dispatched,” said Bessick.

“Whilst treating the critically injured patient, the EMS officials were shot at,” added the spokesperson. No EMS injuries were reported, and the area has been declared a temporary red zone all EMS vehicles are to be escorted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) if assistance is required in the area.

SAPS believe the shooting incident at the Ceres taxi rank may be related to industry violence. Detectives from the Western Cape taxi task team were at the scene, shortly after the attack took place at 7:00, combing for clues.

“Reports from the crime scene indicate that three yet-to-be identified suspects opened fire indiscriminately on taxis at the taxi rank after 7:00, seriously wounding a man who later died in hospital and four others who died on the scene,” said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be released and police said early indications suggest that the shooting is taxi conflict related.

No arrests have been made thus far and police are on the hunt for the suspects. “Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the police on 08600-10111,” said Potelwa.