Mandeville taxi shooting kills two passengers as TODSS warns of transport security gaps

The Transport Operators Development and Sustainable Services (TODSS) says a deadly shooting in Mandeville on Saturday shows the transport sector is still grappling with serious security problems.

Deneekia Pounall, 24, and Sadefa Henry, 21, were killed after a confrontation between a taxi driver and another passenger aboard the vehicle escalated. Police say the man got out of the cab and refused to pay his fare, even after the driver asked him to do so.

The driver continued driving after reportedly hearing explosions. When he stopped further along the route and checked on those inside, he found Pounall and Henry had gunshot wounds. Officers were called and both victims were taken to hospital. Pounall was pronounced dead on arrival, while Henry died yesterday morning during treatment.

Speaking with Irie FM, TODSS President Egeton Newman said it is unfortunate that some passengers seek to avoid paying for the service and, in some cases, act in an intimidating way toward drivers.