TODSS laments lack of security after Mandeville double murder

The Transport Operators Development and Sustainable Services (TODSS) says the shooting incident which left two taxi passengers dead in Mandeville, on Saturday highlights the continued security challenges faced by the sector.

Twenty-four-year-old Deneekia Pounall and 21-year-old Sadefa Henry were killed after an altercation between a taxi driver and another passenger escalated.

Police say the passenger disembarked the vehicle and refused to pay his taxi fare, even after the driver’s request.

The driver drove away after reportedly hearing explosions.

Upon stopping at a safe distance, checks were made and it was observed that Pounall and Henry were suffering from gunshot wounds.

The police were alerted and the wounded persons were assisted to the hospital, where Pounall was pronounced dead on arrival.

Henry died yesterday morning while being treated.

Speaking with Irie FM news, TODSS President Egeton Newman said it is unfortunate that some passengers try to opt out of paying for the service, and in some cases, behave in an intimidating manner towards the driver.