Diale-Tlabela threatens to close taxi ranks after Ekurhuleni taxi boss murder

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela is threatening to close taxi ranks after an owner in Ekurhuleni was shot and killed.

The woman affiliated with Katlehong People's Taxi Association, was murdered earlier this week in Buhle Park, Germiston.

On Thursday, the MEC visited the victim’s family, as this latest incident brings the number of people killed in taxi-related violence this year to 60.

A heavy police guard surrounded the home of the slain taxi owner on Thursday, as the MEC arrived to convey condolences to the grieving family. 

The taxi boss cannot be named to protect her family members, who have also refused to speak to members of the media. 

Five years ago, the woman’s husband was also shot and killed, and she took over the family business. 

Diale-Tlabela said the family now lives in fear, after two loved ones died in a similar violent manner. 

She said the taxi industry needs to address rampant violence or face closure.

"What’s wrong with these ones, why should they be counting bodies instead of counting monies, so we will close definitely?"

Diale-Tlabela said the closure of taxi ranks would only happen after her last attempt to consult different taxi associations on resolutions to the ongoing conflicts.

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MCHUNU MUST INTERVENE

The Gauteng government is pleading with the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, to intervene in the ongoing taxi violence.

While visiting the family, Diale-Tlabela said the violence is no longer about a dispute over routes, but pure criminality.

“They killed her on a day she took her son to a party, and a child waited for his mother to come back, and the mother was killed. It’s very sad that women in the industry no longer feel safe, and that’s why we are calling on the Minister of Police.”

No arrests have yet been made.