Police have launched a manhunt after Gauteng National Taxi Alliance chairman Thami Moyo was shot and killed in a hail of bullets on the Soweto Highway in Diepkloof.
The incident happened on Thursday morning, 18 September, at about 9.30am.
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According to police, Moyo, (58), was driving along the busy highway when he was suddenly blocked by suspects travelling in two vehicles – a minibus taxi and a Toyota Yaris.
The gunmen opened fire, and riddled his car with bullets.
He was declared dead at the scene.
Gauteng police spokesman Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed details of the ambush.
“The victim was blocked by suspects who were driving in two vehicles. The suspects fired several shots at the victim, who was certified dead at the scene,” said Masondo.
He said although investigations are still at an early stage, the attack may be linked to ongoing disputes in the taxi industry.
“Motive for the killing cannot be confirmed at this stage, but taxi violence cannot be ruled out,” Masondo explained.
He appealed to the public to assist with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
“We are urging anyone who might have information that can help with the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects to contact the nearest police station, call CrimeStop on 08600 10111, or provide information anonymously via the MySAPS App,” he said.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport described the killing as a heavy blow to the taxi industry.
Department spokesman Lesiba Mpyaa said officials were alerted shortly after the incident and were devastated to confirm the victim’s identity.
“We received a call that there was a taxi-related shooting. On arrival we confirmed that the person shot was the currently serving Gauteng National Taxi Alliance chairperson — a man we have worked with, a visionary leader, very calm and collected. He was very professional, a man of his word,” Mpyaa said.
He said the department was disturbed by the brazen killing.
“On behalf of the MEC, we send our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues in the taxi industry,” he said.
Moyo’s murder has sent shockwaves across Soweto and the wider taxi fraternity, reigniting concerns about violence in the sector and the safety of leaders tasked with steering the troubled industry.
