GEORGE NEWS FLASH - Donald Grant, the new MEC of Transport and Public Works and Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa made an unscheduled visit to George today to console the family of the late local taxi owner, Pastor Tom Queba who was shot on the N2 near the Garden Route Mall yesterday morning.

Queba, who had taken commuters to the mall on Sunday morning, was shot in the head. He died shortly after his arrival at hospital.

Speculation is rife in the taxi industry that this cold-blooded shooting was connected to the ongoing negotiations regarding the George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN).

Queba was the chief negotiator for the George taxi industry.

Grant, Africa and the mayors of George and Eden, with the top officials in the municipality, went to pay their respects to the Queba family this afternoon.

At a press briefing at the George Municipality, also this afternoon, Grant said that they unreservedly condemn the violence and that the GIPTN is taking a backseat for now out of respect for the Queba family.

In a press release issued at the briefing, it states that the GIPTN will go ahead. "Acts of violence or intimidation cannot prevent Government from fulfilling its mandate," read the release.

In a question about a possible hit list regarding those involved with negotiaions surrounding the GIPTN, Grant said the fact that security measures are being put in place on Provincial and Local level, speaks for itself. "We are aware of potential threats," added Grant.

The Provincial Director of Transport, Darryl Jacobs, told the George Herald that at this stage, they do not suspect any links with the taxi-related murders in Cape Town. He said the issues surrounding the GIPTN is of a dimension all on its own.

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An official from the Western Cape Transport Department hands over a flower bouquet to Minister Donald Grant with Deputy Mayor Daniel Maritz looks on. To the right is George Executive Mayor, Charles Standers, entering the Queba home. Queba was a friend of Standers.


A strong police presence was evident at the George Municipality this afternoon.


Eden Mayor, Wessie van der Westhuizen and Daniel Maritz (George Deputy Mayor) leaving the Queba residence.


Kenny Africa (second from right) talking to officials from the Provincial Transport Department.

PHOTOS: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST

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