Johannesburg was rocked by shocking news on Thursday evening after the chairperson of the Gauteng National Taxi Association (GNTA), Thami Moyo, was gunned down in a hail of bullets along the Soweto Highway. The brazen assassination has sent shockwaves through the taxi industry and raised renewed concerns about escalating violence linked to the sector.
According to eyewitnesses, Moyo was traveling in a white Toyota bakkie when unknown gunmen opened fire. The vehicle was riddled with bullets, leaving little chance of survival for the prominent taxi boss. Paramedics who arrived at the scene confirmed that Moyo succumbed to his injuries before he could be rushed to hospital.
Police were quick to respond, cordoning off the area to collect evidence and begin their investigation. At this stage, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, but authorities have not ruled out the possibility of taxi violence, which has claimed many lives over the years. Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that detectives are pursuing several leads and have appealed to members of the public to come forward with information.
“The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and unfortunately, he was declared dead on the scene. We are investigating a case of murder and will be following all leads to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Muridili stated.
The assassination of Moyo has sent ripples through the taxi industry, where leadership disputes and competition over lucrative routes have often led to bloodshed. As chairperson of the GNTA, Moyo was a powerful figure who played a key role in negotiations around taxi operations, routes, and regulation in Gauteng. His death leaves a significant leadership vacuum in an industry already plagued by instability.
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Community members who witnessed the incident described the scene as terrifying. “We heard loud gunshots and people started running in all directions. When we came closer, we saw the bakkie full of bullet holes. It was like something from a movie,” said a Soweto resident who asked not to be named.
The incident has also sparked concern among commuters who rely heavily on taxis for daily transport. Many fear that the killing could trigger retaliatory attacks or turf wars between rival taxi associations. In recent years, Gauteng has witnessed a series of violent clashes in the taxi sector, with deadly shootings often linked to disputes over routes and leadership struggles.
Political leaders and transport stakeholders have condemned the killing and called for swift justice. “We cannot allow violence to continue to plague our public transport system. Those responsible must be arrested and face the full might of the law,” said one official.
As investigations continue, security has been heightened around key taxi ranks and major routes in Johannesburg and Soweto. Police have assured the public that they are working tirelessly to track down the suspects.
For now, the assassination of Thami Moyo serves as another grim reminder of the dangers surrounding South Africa’s taxi industry, where unresolved conflicts too often end in bloodshed.
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