Armsta patroller shot dead in Alexandra

An Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand, and Sandton Taxi Association (Armsta) patroller was one of two people fatally shot inside a Toyota Avanza at 7th Avenue and Joe Nhlanhla Street (formerly John Brand) in Alexandra early on Friday morning.

Armsta’s public relations officer Tladi Lepolesa confirmed to Alex News that one of the deceased was a member of their patrolling team. “We are aware of the incident. He is one of our patrollers,” Lepolesa said.

However, he noted that the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. When asked if the killing could be linked to historical taxi violence, which have long plagued Alexandra, Lepolesa was cautious. “From where I stand, I’m not aware of any disputes. All outstanding issues between associations were resolved.”

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Alexandra’s taxi industry has a history of violent turf battles. In the past, there have been reported tensions between Armsta and the Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA). Decades of conflict over routes have claimed numerous lives, including: a 2018 shooting of an Armsta member in Marlboro, a 2020 incident where another was shot multiple times, and the 2024 killing of a 69-year-old taxi boss, reportedly tied to Armsta.

In 2023, Alex News reported a breakthrough when Armsta and ATA brokered a deal to silence guns in Alexandra, revealed by its then PR officer John Mnisi.

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This resolution was recently reaffirmed by Lepolesa, when asked if Armsta had put necessary measures in place to protect their members from violence. “Armsta and ATA resolved issues, and today we are a united front.”

This is a developing story, and no official statement has been released by authorities. The police have secured the crime scene.

Alex News will provide updates as new information emerges.

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