MEC Diale-Tlabela mum following Alexandra taxi bloodshed

Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA) chairperson Vusi Mayaba was shot and killed in the parking lot of a Woodmead shopping centre on Thursday night, becoming the third taxi boss linked to Alexandra to be gunned down this week.

Police said the 52-year-old Mayaba and another man were in the parking area at around 22:30 when two suspects armed with automatic rifles approached them and opened fire. Mayaba died at the scene. Police launched a murder investigation and believe the attack may be linked to ongoing conflict between rival taxi associations in Alexandra.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the fatal shooting and appealed to the public for assistance. “Police have opened a case of murder for investigation. We are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the apprehension of the suspects to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” he said.

The killing follows two other fatal shootings earlier in the week involving officials from the Alexandra taxi structures. On 30 October 2025, Alexandra Randburg Midrand Taxi Association (ARMTA) chairperson Victor Molefe Moekeletsi and his bodyguard were shot dead in Marlboro, Johannesburg. According to police, Moekeletsi and his security team came under heavy gunfire.

Another bodyguard and a motorist were rushed to hospital with serious injuries. An abandoned BMW X5, believed to have been used by the attackers, was later recovered in Setjwetla with bloodstains inside, indicating that one of the suspects may have been wounded.

This week’s killings have intensified concerns about rising violence within the taxi industry. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) condemned the attacks, noting the repeated targeting of key figures within the Alexandra taxi sector.

Despite the escalating violence, Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has remained silent. SA Daily contacted her spokesperson for comment, but the spokesperson declined to comment.

The series of attacks sparked widespread reactions on social media. One X user wrote: “This industry is very heartless and extremely ruthless. Yes, there’s money in it, but the risk is simply not worth it.” Another user called for a national response, stating: “Unless we think like Senzo Mchunu, we do need a dedicated and well equipped taxi boss killing task team! A dedicated team of at least 65 members assembled in a Political Killing Task Team (PKTT) style, to work throughout the country. Fight fire with fire!”

Police continue to investigate all three attacks and are monitoring tensions in Alexandra and surrounding areas. Authorities have warned that unresolved disputes within the taxi industry may fuel further violence if not addressed.

Mayaba’s death adds to the growing toll of taxi-related killings in Gauteng, prompting renewed calls for stronger interventions to prevent further loss of life.