Gauteng police suspect killing of Alex taxi boss could be linked to ongoing industry violence

Gauteng police suspect the killing of Alexandra Taxi Association boss Vusi Mayaba could be linked to the ongoing violence in the industry.

Mayaba was shot on Thursday night after leaving a restaurant in Woodmead.

His death comes a few days after two taxi owners of the same association were shot dead killed in Midrand.

In November, Mayaba spoke against taxi violence at the funeral of another association boss, Molefe Moekeletsi, who was killed along with his bodyguard in a drive-by shooting.

Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said, “It is reported that the deceased, together with another male, were at a parking lot in Woodmead when they were approached by two males who fired shots at them using automatic rifles. The 52-year-old victim was declared dead on the scene.

“It is suspected that the killing is related to an ongoing fight between taxi associations in Alexandra.

Police are appealing to anyone whomight have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects to please call the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

Meanwhile, Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene said that more needs to be done by law enforcement authorities to curb the violence in the taxi industry.

“This is a very serious, serious, serious issue. The taxi industry drives our economy; transportation drives the economy. That’s why I called on the president and minister [of police] to form a national taxi killings task team that will focus on the killings of the taxi drivers, bosses, managers and so on.”