Friends, family of murdered female taxi driver still in shock
Azwianewi Ramuntshi a long-distance taxi driver from Limpopo was gunned down at her home on Friday.
LIMPOPO – The Ramuntshi-family, in the rural village of Itsani, is in shock and mourning following the murder of their loved one, Azwianewi Thelma Ramuntshi.
Azwianewi, a mother of five children who worked as a taxi driver, was gunned down while parking the taxi she drove at her house on Friday night.
In an interview with the 43-year-old in March, she said that she had no problem waking up at the crack of dawn to ensure her spot in the queue at the taxi rank.
Known to be a male-dominated industry, Azwianewi was the only female long-distance taxi driver on the route from Sibasa to Johanessburg.
Her day started early every morning, waking up at 03:00 to make sure she gets in front of the line. Azwianewi joined the taxi industry in 2008 and has never looked back.
“I enjoy every moment of my job,” she previously said.
Her journey as a taxi driver started in Gauteng, where she used to do local trips during the week, and transport goods from Gauteng to Limpopo on the weekends.
She decided that she wanted to spread her wings and challenge herself. She joined the long-distance taxi industry in 2013, and was awarded driver of the year for the Johannesburg-Venda Long Distance Taxi Association in 2016.
Azwianewi believed that women should let go of the mentality that the taxi industry is only meant for men, and she wanted to see other women join the industry to support their families.
According to her brother, Elvis, the family is in shock and disbelief of what had happened.
The owner of the taxi Azwianewi drove, Cecilia Mudau, praised her and said she was one of the best drivers she ever hired and worked with.
“She was good at her job. Not only was she an employee, but she was like family to me. I remember how she would always make sure that the vehicle she uses is in good condition. She would inspect it regularly and if she found anything wrong, she would immediately report it to me for repairs. She will be greatly missed,” said Mudau.
Limpopo Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said police in Thohoyandou are investigating a case of murder.
Mojapelo said it is believed that when the deceased arrived at her home in Itsani village, an unknown suspect appeared and started shooting at her.
“She was hit several times and died instantly. No arrest have been made yet and investigations are ongoing,” explained Mojapelo.
