In recent weeks, four people died in separate drive-by shooting incidents in Phoenix and Chatsworth, leaving the community in fear. Disputes in the tow-truck industry, drug organised crime networks, and gang rivalry are believed to be some of the key drivers of these incidents.
Niven Naidoo, a criminologist, said drive-by shootings which resulted in murders pointed to a deeper, more complex criminal ecosystem. “It extends beyond isolated incidents; and reflects the intersection of organised crime, economic competition, and weakened community intelligence networks,” he said.
Organised Crime and the Tow-Truck Industry
Naidoo said a driving factor behind the targeted killings was the infiltration of drug syndicates into transport-related industries. “Sectors such as the taxi industry, private e-hailing services, tow trucking and logistics have become operational fronts for criminal activities,” he explained, citing the infiltration of organised crime into these industries.
These industries offer mobility and cover, allowing individuals to move drugs, weapons and personnel under the guise of legitimate business operations. At the same time, these sectors often employ individuals with prior criminal records, including those on parole or previously convicted of violent and drug-related offences.
Consequences of Drive-By Shootings
Drive-by shootings significantly increase the risk of collateral damage. “Unlike targeted attacks, drive-by shootings are unpredictable,” Naidoo said. “Innocent bystanders, children, commuters, small business workers and residents are placed at extreme risk simply by being in the area. This elevates the threat from targeted violence to broader community terrorism.”
Some of the key factors contributing to the rise in drive-by shootings include:
- Competition over territory, whether for towing zones, transport routes or service contracts
- Infiltration of drug syndicates into transport-related industries
- Breakdown of community intelligence and lack of witness co-operation
As the community struggles to come to terms with the recent violence, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach is needed to address the root causes of these incidents. This includes improving community intelligence, strengthening law enforcement, and addressing the socioeconomic factors that contribute to the rise of organised crime.
