National Taxi Alliance (NTA) president, Francis Masitsa has blamed government for the violent killings in the taxi industry and the high crime rate in the country. He was speaking at the funeral of NTA Chairperson in Gauteng, Thamsanqa Moya, in Soweto.

Moya was killed in a hail of bullets on the Soweto Highway last week, in what is believed to be a taxi violence-related incident.

Close to 60 people have lost their lives in Gauteng alone, in taxi-related violence, since the start of this year.

Masitsa says the country wouldn’t have been in a state where criminals roam free if there was political will to deal with the issue.

“It is unfortunate that we as citizens have surrendered our rights to the state to protect us. If a man commits murder or rape is sentenced to the so-called life. But effectively serves 7 years and comes out. Then the type of sentences being given is an incentive to encourage criminals. That’s the reason we have repeated offenders.”

Video: Funeral service of National Taxi Alliance’s Gauteng chairperson, Thamsanqa Moya underway in Soweto

Family 

The family says they will dearly miss Moya, who was a father to many.

Nhlanhla Moya says his father’s death has robbed them of a good dad and a born leader. Moya described his father as someone who played a huge role in the community and his family, and says his presence will always be missed.

“My father wore many hats. He was a God-fearing man, the chairman of taxi associations, once a decorated soccer player, and a teacher. I think the one hat that he wore the most was to become our father. not only to my siblings and I but to many individuals that I have crossed paths with whose lives he touched and impacted.”

Daughter Celiwe Moya adds, “He was not just a father. He was a teacher, a guide. He showed me how to live with humour and faith. I will forever miss him. But I know he left a part of himself in every lesson, every laugh, and every memory. My dad was a man of two worlds. On one hand, he was in the taxi industry – always on the go, always working hard to provide for us. He never complained about the hours at work unless things were really bad. I remember telling me that no matter how tough things are, there is always a way to make it through.”

No arrests have been made yet.

Police have appealed to anyone with information regarding Moya’s killing to contact them.

Moya was laid to rest at the West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg.