“Whenever you needed a father, he was always there.”

This is how the slain father and deputy chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the uMgungundlovu region, Simone Msomi (52), from Nomnganga in KZN, was described by his daughter.

This comes after the Swayimane/Wartburg Taxi Association taxi owner was shot dead at Mehlwenkosi Primary School in the KwaSwayimane area, outside Pietermaritzburg, while dropping off a 55-year-old teacher, who is fighting for her life in hospital.

It is alleged that two men were seen entering the school on foot and opened fire on the two on Monday morning.

The teacher, who is always transported to school by Msomi, cannot be named, but she is reported to have sustained gunshot wounds to her right upper body and in her upper right arm.

She was rushed to a nearby clinic for treatment before being transferred to the hospital.

Speaking to The Witness, Simone’s daughter, Lungile, says they got the shock of their lives when they received a call notifying them about the shooting.

“We rushed there, and, unfortunately, he was already dead. He was the best father. His passing left a huge gap. As much as we want justice to be served, that won’t bring my father back.”

uMshwathi Municipality mayor Mandla Zondi says Msomi played a major role in providing assistance within the community.

“What disturbs us the most is that this incident occurred in front of the pupils and teachers. We will try to speak to the Department of Social Development about sending psychologists to provide counselling. It is not the first time that someone from this association has been killed, and it paints a bad picture [of the area],” says Zondi.

He adds that they will be grateful if the gunmen are arrested.

Santaco KZN

Santaco KZN spokesperson Sifiso Shangase conveyed his condolences to the Msomi family.

He adds, “Msomi was a guy who was full of jokes.

“We are still shocked, as we don’t know what led to him being brutally murdered like this. We appeal to those who might have information to report this to the police. If there’s a disagreement, people need to sit down to try and find a solution rather than lose lives.

Mountain Rise police spokesperson Warrant Officer Panchael Singh says that when the police arrived on the scene, they realised that both the taxi owner and the teacher were seriously injured inside the vehicle, and an ambulance was called.

“The teacher was rushed to Gcumisa Clinic. Msomi was declared dead on the scene. Eight 9mm cartridges were found on the scene. Six bullet holes were observed in the car windows.

“Murder and attempted murder cases were opened for investigation. The police are searching for suspects. A 72-hour action plan has been put in place.”