The community of Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal gathered on Saturday to bid an emotional farewell to 27-year-old Mthokozisi Mvelase, the e-hailing driver whose brutal murder shocked South Africans three weeks ago.
Mvelase, who had been working tirelessly as a driver to support his family, was killed in a horrific attack outside Maponya Mall in Soweto. His car was ambushed, he was shot, and his body set alight inside the vehicle. The incident sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of e-hailing drivers across the country.
A Painful Goodbye
The funeral service, attended by relatives, friends, and fellow e-hailing drivers, was filled with grief and reflection. Many described Mvelase as a hardworking young man with a bright future ahead of him. Family members, still struggling to come to terms with his untimely death, expressed their pain at losing someone so young in such a cruel manner.
His mother broke down as she spoke about the last time she saw her son alive, emphasizing how dedicated he was to providing for the household. “He left home with hope and dreams, but he returned to us in a coffin. No parent should bury their child this way,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
E-Hailing Community in Mourning
A convoy of e-hailing drivers traveled from Johannesburg to Ulundi to accompany Mvelase’s body home. They formed a guard of honor, paying their last respects to one of their own. The drivers, wearing black armbands, spoke of the daily dangers they face on the job.
“This is not just about Mthokozisi. This is about all of us,” said one driver at the service. “We wake up every day not knowing if we will return home alive. Our safety is not guaranteed, and yet we keep going because we have families to feed.”
The drivers called on authorities to take stronger action against crimes targeting e-hailing operators. Several drivers also highlighted the need for improved security measures, such as better tracking systems and stronger collaboration between e-hailing companies and law enforcement.
A Call for Justice
Community leaders and local officials who attended the funeral condemned the violence and called for swift justice. They urged police to intensify investigations and bring those responsible for Mvelase’s murder to book.
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“Criminals must know that they cannot terrorize innocent people and walk free,” said a local leader. “We cannot allow our young people to be killed in such brutal ways without consequences. Justice must prevail.”
Remembering a Life Cut Short
Though the mood was somber, mourners also celebrated Mvelase’s life. Friends remembered his sense of humor, kindness, and determination to build a better future. They spoke of a young man who had dreams of expanding his opportunities beyond driving, someone whose ambition inspired those around him.
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As the casket was lowered into the ground, the cries of grief echoed through the cemetery. Yet, amid the sorrow, there was also a firm resolve: that Mvelase’s death would not be in vain. His community vowed to keep his memory alive and to continue fighting for safer working conditions for e-hailing drivers across South Africa.
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