E-hailing murder: No arrests a month after Siyanda Mvelase was set alight

Gauteng police say there are no arrests and no breakthroughs in the murder case of e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Siyanda Mvelase, nearly a month after he was shot and burned to death.

Mvelase was killed on the evening of August 13, in an incident believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between minibus taxi operators and e-hailing drivers. 

He was declared dead at the scene, while two others were injured.

Despite a public outcry and repeated pleas from Mvelase’s family for authorities to ensure justice is served, police say there is nothing new to report.

“There’s is no update on that case. Should there be any, it will be communicated,” Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi told IOL News.

According to police, an e-hailing vehicle had stopped at the entrance to Maponya Mall when four men approached and opened fire on the driver before setting the vehicle alight. 

A second nearby vehicle was also attacked. Its driver managed to escape, but the car was torched. 

Both he and a passerby sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital.

Police have opened a case of murder, two counts of attempted murder and arson. 

However, no arrests have been made nearly a month later since the incident occurred.

Mvelase was buried on Saturday, September 6, in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. 

During the funeral service, his family expressed frustration at the lack of progress in the investigation.

“Since the incident happened three weeks ago, nothing has happened. We can’t see what the police are doing at all,” said Mvelase’s uncle, Doctor Khuzwayo.

Mvelase’s aunt, Zanele Khuzwayo, previously told IOL News that police had assured the family they would provide updates after the funeral.

“The police have not provided any updates on the investigation or potential arrests,” she said. 

“They told us to focus on the burial for now and said they would update us afterwards.”

Mvelase was his mother’s only child. She was left devastated by the news of his death.

The KwaZulu-Natal E-hailing Council also condemned the lack of arrests, calling it unacceptable during the funeral proceedings.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News