The QwaQwa community in the Free State is in deep mourning following the brutal killing of a senior taxi industry leader. Matshediso Nteo, the 58-year-old chairwoman of the QwaQwa United Taxi Association (QWAUTA), was shot and killed in a hail of bullets at her home in Thabana Tshwana Village on the night of Saturday, 24 January 2026.
According to information provided by relatives, Nteo was at her parents’ house with her young grandson when the fatal shooting occurred. Four unknown men reportedly arrived at the home late in the evening and knocked on the door. When Nteo opened, the suspects immediately opened fire, shooting her multiple times before fleeing the scene. She died instantly from her injuries.
A family member, Ntsane Mohale, said he was in the kitchen when he heard several gunshots. Moments later, he saw a white vehicle speeding away from the property. When he rushed to check on Nteo, he found her lying in a pool of blood with several gunshot wounds. The child who was with her at the time of the attack was not injured.
Nteo was a well-known and respected figure in the local taxi industry, having served as chairwoman of QWAUTA for several years. Colleagues described her as a strong leader who worked tirelessly to unite taxi operators and resolve disputes within the sector. Her death has left the association and the broader community shocked and devastated.
QWAUTA secretary Lekama Buthelezi expressed anger and frustration following the killing, saying the association had lost a dedicated leader. He also raised concerns about ongoing violence within the taxi industry, revealing that Nteo was the fifth member of the association to be shot and killed. According to him, none of the previous cases have resulted in arrests, leaving members feeling unsafe and neglected.
The killing has once again highlighted the issue of violence linked to the taxi industry, particularly in parts of the Free State. Taxi leaders have called for calm while urging authorities to take decisive action against those responsible for such crimes. Regional leaders have appealed to taxi operators to avoid retaliation and allow law enforcement agencies to handle the matter.
Police in the Free State have confirmed that a manhunt is underway for at least four suspects believed to be involved in the murder. The suspects are said to have fled in a white vehicle with a Gauteng registration number. Police have urged anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward.
As the investigation continues, Nteo’s family, colleagues, and community members are calling for justice. Many have described her death as senseless and are hoping that her killing will prompt stronger measures to curb violence and protect leaders within the taxi industry.
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