Wednesday, June 07, 2023

PATA chairperson killed in Mbekweni, Paarl

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  Mandyoli


PATA 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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