Three dead in taxi violence
It is believed the fleet boss, whose vehicles were branded "shoot to kill", had been travelling home after a meeting with other taxi bosses when gunmen in a white sedan opened fire on his vehicle before fleeing.
Taxi violence on the South Coast is showing no sign of abating, with associations engaged in internal battles over leadership roles and taxi routes.
Vusi Miyeza (61), Phumlani Nkomo (55) and Mandla Mzelemu (60) all belonging to the Margate Taxi Association (Bambanani) have been gunned down in separate incidents.
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Since the beginning of October, at least five taxi-related shootings have occurred, with two other taxi bosses killed in Murchison, leaving families grieving and communities shocked.
The latest shooting took place in Izingolweni Road, KwaNzimakwe where the South African National Taxi Council’s regional chairman and former ANC councillor Mr Mzelemu died in a hail of bullets.
It is believed the fleet boss, whose vehicles were branded “shoot to kill”, had been travelling home after a meeting with other taxi bosses when gunmen in a white sedan opened fire on his vehicle before fleeing.
According to sources within the taxi industry, Mr Mzelemu, known for being fearless and outspoken, was killed over his role as regional chairman.
“For many years he was threatened. They tried many times to remove him as chairman of the region but failed because he was always voted back in. He was no pushover; he told it like it is and was not scared of anyone. In this industry if you question things, you don’t survive,” said the source.
Another source who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals said prior to the shooting, there were battles over permits as well as over the lucrative Durban route.
Associations were given permits to start ranks, but rival associations entered the fray and issues over routes and rank authority spiralled out of control, claimed the source.
“People were dying which might have prompted the Public Transport Enforcement Unit (Shanela) to raid the Margate Taxi Rank and remove taxis without permits. Mandla was also blamed by many for bringing in Shanela.”
Shortly after that, it is believed that ‘ibhakede’ ( bucket money) was collected from taxi operators and which Mr Mzelemu had refused to pay.
“I can’t tell you what the money is collected for, but when that money is collected, things happen.”
Santaco provincial chairman Boy Zondi condemned the killing.
He pleaded with taxi operators to stop using violence when they did not see eye to eye.
“Guns are never a solution and to whoever is behind these killings, that’s enough.
“You are not only giving the industry a bad name but you are also robbing families of their loved ones.”
Mr Mzelemu’s family described him as a selfless man who helped them and his community during the most difficult of times.
His brother, Johannes Mzelemu said his family and the entire KwaNzimakwe community has lost a great man.
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“Although he had always told us people within the taxi industry wanted to kill him, we did not know it would come so soon.”
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor Cynthia Mqwebu sent condolences to the family, relatives and colleagues of those who had been murdered.
“We have worked closely with Mr Mzelemu, as a councillor, chairman of Bambanani and chairman of the region and as a municipality, we are saddened by his death.”
Municipal spokesman Simon April, called for calm and pleaded with all affected parties to leave the pursuit of justice to law enforcement agencies.
He added that law enforcement agencies were on high alert for any outbreak of any form of crime, especially as the festive season was fast approaching.
Mr Mzelemu’s funeral takes place at his KwaNzimakwe home this Sunday, December 8 at 10am.
A case of murder is being investigated by Port Edward police.
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