Thami Moyo's murder sends shockwaves through taxi sector
Gauteng taxi boss Thami Moyo, 58, was shot and killed while driving on Soweto Highway in Diepkloof. Police suspect the motive is linked to ongoing taxi violence.
Image: Supplied
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has expressed shock and sorrow over the murder of Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) chairperson Thami Moyo, saying his death leaves a significant void in the industry.
Moyo, 58, was shot dead at around 9.30am on Thursday while driving along the Soweto Highway in Diepkloof, Gauteng police said.
“The victim was blocked by suspects driving two vehicles,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo. “The suspects fired several shots at the victim. He was certified dead at the scene.”
Masondo said that while the motive had not yet been confirmed, it was suspected to be related to ongoing taxi violence.
Santaco Gauteng chairperson Midday Mali described Moyo as not only a leader in the taxi industry but also a tireless advocate for unity and stability.
“He consistently championed a sustainable and inclusive future for our sector,” said Mali. “His death robs the industry of a unifier, a visionary and a man who believed in collective progress.”
Mali said the council welcomed the commitment from Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, who has prioritised the investigation.
“We call on law enforcement to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly found and brought to justice,” said Mali. “Sending a strong message that the taxi industry cannot be a playground for criminal activity will go a long way in restoring confidence in our communities.”
The South African taxi industry has been rocked by the murder of GNTA chairperson Thami Moyo, who was gunned down in broad daylight on Soweto Highway.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Mali added: “I have lost a counterpart, a comrade and a fellow leader with whom we were spearheading the industry towards a more sustainable and dignified future.”
Santaco president Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe also expressed deep concern over the killing.
“The passing of Mr Moyo is not just a loss to Gauteng, but to the entire taxi industry. He was a figure we looked to for unity, prosperity, and vision,” said Tsebe. “To lose him in such a violent manner is unacceptable and deeply painful.”
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhululeko Hlengwa also extended their condolences to Moyo’s family, the NTA leadership and the broader taxi community.
The Department of Transport said Creecy had reached out to Acting Minister of Police Prof Cachalia, who assured her that an investigative team had already been assembled.
Creecy and Hlengwa called for calm and for the police to be given space to investigate fully, so that those responsible may face justice.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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