Heartbroken family mourns e-hailing driver killed just days after buying his first car
The aunt of Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase, 27, an e-hailing driver shot and burned at Maponya Mall on Wednesday night, says the family is heartbroken, as he had only bought his car two weeks ago and started working as an Uber driver just two days before he was killed.
Zanele Khuzwayo told the media on Thursday in the area that Mvelase had only just begun his work as an Uber driver, two days before his death.
“He was the son of my eldest sister and an only child,” Khuzwayo said.
“He was born in 1998. After finishing matric, he moved to Johannesburg to look for work. I used to help him now and then, but he always tried to stand on his own. Eventually, he moved back home to KwaZulu-Natal.”
Mvelase returned to Johannesburg recently to pursue better opportunities, according to his aunt.
“A few months ago, he told me, ‘Auntie, I’m coming back to Joburg, and I’m going to get an Uber car,’” she recalled.
“He was so excited. He finally got the car two weeks ago and started working this past Monday. Then boom, by Wednesday night – we got the news.”
Khuzwayo said the family was in shock.
“He wanted to make a living and take care of his mother, who is sickly. He had so many plans, and they were all cut short.”
Mvelase was killed on Wednesday evening, August 13, when unknown gunmen attacked e-hailing drivers outside Maponya Mall.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said one vehicle was seen stopping at the entrance when four men approached and opened fire on the driver before setting the car alight.
“Another vehicle nearby was also shot at, but the driver managed to flee. That vehicle was also torched,” Nevhuhulwi said.
A passerby and the second driver sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital.
A case of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson has been opened for investigation.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) were deployed to the scene, with police saying the violence is suspected to be linked to ongoing tensions in the taxi industry.
The protest was in response to the attack on e-hailing drivers. In retaliation, one minibus taxi was burned by community members.
The violent clash follows months of rising tensions between traditional taxi operators and e-hailing services, which have increasingly become flashpoints in South African public transport disputes.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi expressed outrage over the attack, describing it as both a criminal act and a violation of democratic values.
“The lives of innocent people were put in danger when bullets flew around Maponya Mall,” said Kubayi.
“This is not only a matter of criminality but an affront to our constitutional rights. As a daughter of Soweto, I stand in solidarity with the community.”
Kubayi also called for swift justice and a coordinated government response through the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.
In addition, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) urged the government to expedite the implementation of amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) regulations.
SANTACO spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the delay in enforcing the new regulations has created a “regulatory vacuum”, leading to an unchecked influx of unlicensed e-hailing operators.
“This unregulated environment is fuelling safety risks, including hijackings, abductions, and violent crimes linked to the sector,” said Phala.
“SANTACO cannot remain silent. The government must act swiftly to enforce the revised NLTA regulations to ensure the safety of all commuters and operators.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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