Two pedestrians have died after being struck by Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers in Soweto on Monday. The officers were responding to conflicts between rival taxi associations when the fatal incident occurred.

“Our officers were involved in a collision with another vehicle that reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign. Both vehicles collided and subsequently hit three pedestrians standing on the side of the road. Unfortunately, two pedestrians lost their lives,” said JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.

Seven people were reportedly involved in the accident, which happened amid tensions between the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE).

The ongoing conflict between the taxi associations stems from long-standing disputes over routes connecting Orlando and Mofolo areas.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased pedestrians or provided information about the condition of the third pedestrian who was struck.

This is a developing story with further details expected as investigations continue.