The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has pledged its support to the grieving family of Siyanda Mvelase, a 27-year-old e-hailing driver who was brutally murdered outside Maponya Mall in Soweto last week. Mvelase, who had only started working in the e-hailing industry two days before his death, was ambushed, shot, and set alight in what is suspected to be a continuation of the conflict between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.
Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, SANTACO President Abner Tsebe strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “brutal, inhumane, and unacceptable.” He confirmed that the council would assist the Mvelase family with transportation of his remains from Gauteng to his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, working in partnership with Icebolethu Funeral Parlour.
“This young man was attacked in the most horrific way, and his life was cut short far too soon,” Tsebe said. “We cannot remain silent in the face of such violence. As Santaco, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and commit to walking alongside them during this painful time.”
Details of the Attack
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, Mvelase’s vehicle was stationary at the entrance to Maponya Mall when four armed men approached and opened fire. After shooting him, the suspects set the car ablaze. A second vehicle in the vicinity was also targeted and torched after its driver managed to escape. Both the second driver and a passerby sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Police are investigating charges of murder, attempted murder, and arson. However, no arrests have yet been made.
Santaco’s Role and Response
Tsebe said that SANTACO has already reached out to Mvelase’s family to provide logistical assistance for the burial. In addition to transporting his remains, the council is exploring further ways to support the family, including mobilising sponsors for catering and other funeral-related costs.
“We want to ensure that Siyanda is laid to rest with dignity,” Tsebe stated. “Beyond that, we are planning a prayer gathering at Maponya Mall in September, with support from religious leaders and local ministries, to restore peace and solidarity in the community.”
He emphasised that SANTACO maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards violence. Any member found to have participated in Mvelase’s killing or similar crimes would face immediate expulsion. “We are not a council that condones criminality. Enough is enough,” he said firmly.
Government Support
On Monday, KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, visited the Mvelase family home in Ulundi. While her department cannot directly provide financial assistance for funeral arrangements, Shinga promised to mobilise resources through other channels. She also provided the family with food parcels and pledged continued emotional and social support.
A Call for Peace
The murder has once again brought to light the dangerous tensions between the taxi industry and e-hailing drivers. Tsebe acknowledged these ongoing challenges but urged communities to reject violence as a means of resolving disputes.
“This is not just a transport story; it is a human story,” Tsebe concluded. “It is about a young life stolen, families left broken, and communities living in fear. We must come together to end this cycle of violence.”
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