A bystander and a passing motorist were shot in Pietermaritzburg during a taxi violence incident, police said on Thursday.

Inspector Joey Jeevan said the pedestrian Mavis Molefe (45), was shot in the stomach and the motorist Zwelinjani Madlala (54), was shot in the left leg. Both are recovering at Edendale Hospital.

A man driving a taxi, who was not affiliated to the taxi association in the area, had been arguing with taxi association members on Moses Mabhida Road on Wednesday afternoon.

"The man (in the taxi) is alleged to have produced a firearm and fired several shots randomly hitting Molefe....and Madlala," said Jeevan.

Both were passing by the area at the time.

The gunmen later handed himself over to police and is expected to appear at court shortly.