The Gauteng taxi industry has been rocked by another assassination, marking a grim milestone of 40 taxi-related violent incidents this year. The latest victim is Molefe Victor Moekeletsi, the chairperson of the Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand, Sandton Taxi Association (ARMSTA), who was gunned down along with his bodyguard.
The attack occurred in Marlboro, Johannesburg, where assailants ambushed Moekeletsi’s vehicle. In a desperate attempt to escape, Moekeletsi fled his car, leading to a shootout that left four of his other protectors injured. Two civilians in a nearby vehicle were also caught in the crossfire and wounded.
According to his family, this was not the first attempt on Moekeletsi’s life. His murder comes just a month after the burial of prominent Soweto taxi boss, Thami Moya, highlighting the persistent cycle of violence within the sector.
The motive for the killing remains unclear, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation. This is particularly puzzling as ARMSTA had recently brokered a peace agreement with its rival, the Alexandra Taxi Association.
No arrests have been made in connection with the attack. In response, police have once again appealed to the taxi industry to find peaceful resolutions to their conflicts, as the death toll continues to rise.