Another Gauteng taxi association boss shot dead in suspected route feud

Police in Gauteng have launched a murder investigation after a 52-year-old taxi association official was shot and killed in Woodmead, Sandton, on Thursday night, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said.

Masondo said the incident occurred at around 10.30 pm when the man and another male companion were in a parking lot in Woodmead. They were approached by two men armed with automatic rifles, who opened fire.

The taxi official was declared dead at the scene. The second man’s condition was not disclosed.

According to Masondo, police suspect the killing is linked to ongoing tensions between rival taxi associations in Alexandra.

He appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation or lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Police investigations continue.

In October, IOL reported that the chairperson of the Alexandra Randburg Midrand Sandton Taxi Association (ARMSTA), Molefe Moekeletsi was shot and killed in what police suspect to be a taxi violence-related incident.

The shooting incident that also claimed the life of Moekeletsi's bodyguard took place on Viola Crescent in Marlboro Gardens.  

At the time, Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said it is alleged two vehicles - a Mahindra bakkie and an Audi vehicle - were travelling in a convoy. 

“In the Audi, there was one person, and in the Mahindra, apparently there were four security personnel. They were attacked by suspects driving a white BMW, who fired shots at them,” she said.

Two people were declared dead at the scene, while three others were taken to hospital with injuries.

“The vehicle that allegedly attacked the victims was found abandoned a few kilometres away from the scene and will form part of the crime scene,” she added.

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