The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, has called on the taxi industry and the community at large to stay calm following the shooting of the Gauteng taxi boss.
Thamsanqa Moyo , the Chairperson of the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance, was gunned down along Diepkloof Highway in Soweto at around 9am on 18 September.
Speaking to the media at the scene of the shooting, Gauteng Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Msondo indicated that evidence pointed to the taxi boss’s death being a hit.
Police believe taxi boss’s killing was a hit
Msondo indicated that Moyo was driving along the highway in Soweto towards the city centre when he was confronted by a minibus taxi and a Toyota Yaris.
“Several shots were fired, and he was killed instantly. This was a hit because nothing was taken from his vehicle. When the two vehicles stopped, his (Moyo’s) vehicle, the people inside immediately started shooting at him without saying anything,” said Msondo.
Msondo indicated that if it’s confirmed that Moyo’s killing was related to taxi violence and a hit, the Taxi Violence Task Team would take over investigations.
Creecy has reached out to Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, to ensure the case is prioritised.
Extending her condolences to the grieving family and the taxi industry, Creecy “called for calm and space to allow the police to do their investigative work to ensure that those responsible for this barbaric act face the full might of the law.”
SANTACO called for swift arrests of the perpetrators responsible for the heinous crime.
Msondo indicated that it was important for community members who may have information of the killing to contact the police.
He added that SAPS was working in conjunction with the Gauteng Department of Transport and the Metro Police to curb taxi-related violence.
