SANTACO condemns taxi violence after taxi boss Victor Moekeletsi’s fatal shooting

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has strongly condemned the ongoing violence that continues to plague the taxi industry, following the fatal shooting of Victor Molefe Moekeletsi, the Chairperson of the Alexandra Randburg Midrand Sandton Taxi Association (ARMSTA), and his bodyguard in Johannesburg on Thursday.

According to police, Moekeletsi and his security team came under heavy gunfire in Marlboro, Johannesburg. One of his bodyguards died at the scene, while another and a passing motorist were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Police later recovered an abandoned vehicle (BMW X5) believed to have been used by the attackers in Setjwetla near Alexandra. Bloodstains found inside suggested that one of the suspects may have been wounded during the attack.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a case of murder and attempted murder has been opened. “The motive for the shooting is not yet known, but taxi-related conflict cannot be ruled out,” she said.

The killing has sparked renewed concern within the taxi industry, which has long been marred by deadly feuds over routes and leadership disputes. Moekeletsi had been regarded as an important figure in peace efforts aimed at stabilising relations among rival taxi associations in the Johannesburg area.

Community members in Marlboro said they feared the shooting could trigger another round of clashes between associations. “People are scared. We thought things had quieted down, but this shows it’s far from over,” said a resident.

SANTACO President Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe expressed deep sorrow at the loss and called for urgent and decisive action by law enforcement agencies to end taxi-related killings. “We cannot allow criminality to define an industry that sustains millions of South Africans. The law must protect those who work with integrity and commitment,” he said.

SANTACO said it is deeply alarmed by the pattern of violence that continues to claim lives across the country. The Council also extended condolences to the families of Moekeletsi and his bodyguard and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The incident adds to a growing list of deadly attacks targeting leaders and drivers within the taxi sector. In September, Gauteng National Taxi Association Chairperson Thami Moyo was shot and killed along the Soweto Highway. His Toyota bakkie was riddled with bullets in what police described as a calculated hit.

Last month, taxi operators in Bronkhorstspruit also appealed for government intervention after a series of violent incidents in the area.

Violence has not been confined to Gauteng. In the Western Cape, authorities recently closed several minibus taxi routes for 30 days under Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act in response to persistent violence in Mfuleni, Somerset West, Khayelitsha, Nomzamo, and Lwandle. The provincial government said the closures were necessary to prevent further loss of life and restore safety for commuters.

Golden Arrow Bus Services and Metrorail were instructed to provide alternative transport during the closure period, while temporary permits were issued to substitute operators to ensure continued mobility for residents.

SANTACO has urged all taxi associations to prioritise peace and stability, saying that violence undermines the credibility and sustainability of an industry that provides livelihoods to thousands and transport to millions.

“We remain committed to peace, justice, and stability across the transport sector,” said Tsebe.

Police investigations into the Marlboro shooting are ongoing. Authorities have appealed to witnesses to come forward with information that could assist in identifying and arresting the perpetrators.