The Chairperson of Paarl Alliance Taxi Association (PATA), Siyabulela Wilberforce Mandyoli, was shot and killed at his house in Mbekweni, Paarl, on Tuesday evening.
PICTURE - Facebook: Siyabulela MandyoliPATA is affiliated to the CODETA Region of the South
African National Taxi Council (SANTACO).
The police’s FC Van Wyk said a case of murder has been
opened for investigation, adding that the motive for the killing could be
taxi-related.
“Mbekweni police are investigating a murder case following
a shooting incident on 2023-06-06 at about 16:30 Phokeng Street, Mbekweni,
which claimed the life of a 52-year-old man. The motive for this incident is
suspected to be taxi related. Detectives of the Provincial Serious and Violent
Crime: Taxi Violent Unit are questioning several people in a bid to apprehend
those responsible,’’ said Captain FC van Wyk.
SANTACO Chairperson in the Western Cape, Mandla
Hermanus, expressed his shock and sadness to the news.
‘’Mandyoli was a key figure during the negotiations that
led to the reopening of the B97 route from Mbekweni to Bellville, after a
deadly conflict that had led to the closure of the route. He had been
instrumental in ensuring that there was peaceful co-existence amongst the two
taxi associations operating Mbekweni (CATA and Codeta).
‘’His death has robbed the industry of a leader who was
working hard to eradicate violance in the Minibus Taxi Industry in the Western
Cape. As Santaco we convey our deepest felt condolences to his family. We call on our members who might have
information to assist law enforcement agencies so that the killers can be arrested
and brought to justice. We appeal to our operators to remain calm and allow the
law to take its course,’’ added Hermanus.
The Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, condemned
the incident.
‘’We are deeply saddened by this ruthless crime, and
strongly condemn any form of violence within the public transport industry. This
incident is a blow to transport operations in the area and I am extremely
concerned about the impact on commuters. People need to get to work safely;
children need to get to school safely. This is my number one priority and I
urge all role players to prioritise the safety of commuters with strong
leadership and respect for each other and the rule of law.’’
Any person with information about this incident must
contact SAPS to aid the investigation and help ensure successful prosecution.
The MEC said senior officials from his department are participating
in an urgent briefing on the matter on Wednesday morning. He added that they
will also meet with the industry leadership over the coming days to assess the
situation and establish the relevant facts.
Mackenzie said minibus taxi services continue to operate on
Wednesday, with increased security presence by authorities in Mbekweni,
surrounding areas and at the Bellville public transport interchange.
‘’We have asked SAPS
to prioritise this case. There is no place for criminality in the public
transport environment and we have a duty as government and the industry to
ensure safe and dignified mobility options for commuters,’’ added Ricardo Mackenzie,
Western Cape’s Mobility MEC.
Anyone with any information about this incident is
requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111
Done by: Mitchum George
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