Gauteng taxi boss shot and bodyguard shot dead by gunmen traveling in BMW X5

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 around 9am on Thursday. 

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.

“At the moment, the motive is still unclear, but it is suspected that it might be taxi-related, since the victims involved in this shooting are members of a local taxi association,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Police remain on the lookout for the suspects.

“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.

Police are investigating two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

Following the shooting, one of the vehicles lost control and crashed, injuring two civilians. They sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for medical attention.

The attack comes weeks after Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (NTA) chairperson Thamsanqa Moyo was gunned down while driving along the Soweto Highway in September.

According to police reports, Moyo was ambushed by suspects travelling in a minibus taxi and a Toyota Yaris. 

The attackers opened fire, fatally wounding him. No valuables were taken from his vehicle.

Despite what appears to be a growing trend of shootings targeting taxi association leaders, police said they are on top of the matter.

“At the moment, the victims on this scene have not been formally identified. As part of our preliminary investigation, it appears they are members of a taxi association, but their exact roles are not yet confirmed,” Nevhuhulwi said.

“Our taxi violence unit is actively investigating. We currently have around 20 taxi-related cases before the courts, and this one will also be handled by the provincial taxi violence unit.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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