Murder case opened after violence breaks out in Maritzburg CBD

Police say a fight broke out between two people - apparently over a stolen firearm - on Church Street on Wednesday afternoon. 

The violence escalated when other community members joined the brawl. 

KZN police spokesperson Nqobile Gwala says three people were stabbed. 

"The third male who was also stabbed, ran into a nearby bank where he collapsed and died. 

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"His identity is still unknown. Unconfirmed report was that the fight broke out after a firearm of a person was stolen, but no one came forward to lay a charge. Both matters are still under investigation.”

A case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm is also being investigated.

The South African National Taxi Council has condemned the violence. 

"We are encouraging dialogues and engagements which could yield positive results in terms if how people are deliberating on different issues. But violence is not a solution to any problem,"  says the taxi council's Sfiso Shangase.

“Hence this is our stand as an industry and we are not saying our people were involved in such because this was not happening at the rank is was something happening just on the road and nobody could ascertain whether whose individuals involved were taxi operators, drivers or rank marshals."