The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has expressed shock and sorrow at the killing of Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) chairperson Thami Moyo, describing his death as a major loss to the taxi industry.
Moyo, 58, was shot dead around 9:30am on Thursday while driving along the Soweto Highway in Diepkloof, Gauteng police confirmed.
“The victim was blocked by suspects driving two vehicles,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo. “The suspects fired several shots at the victim. He was certified dead at the scene.”
Masondo added that while the motive is still under investigation, the murder is suspected to be linked to taxi violence.
Santaco Gauteng chairperson Midday Mali said Moyo was a respected leader who worked tirelessly to unify the sector.
“He consistently championed a sustainable and inclusive future for our sector. His death robs the industry of a unifier, a visionary and a man who believed in collective progress.”
Mali welcomed the commitment from Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, who has prioritised the investigation, urging swift justice:
“We call on law enforcement to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly found and brought to justice. 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.”