CODETA leader found dead at Monwabisi beach

Harare police are probing a murder case after the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA) leader, Mzoxolo Dibela’s, body was found at the sand dunes at Monwabisi beach in Khayelitsha on Monday afternoon. He had sustained gunshot wounds to his head.

‘’Harare police attended a crime scene at Monwabisi beach yesterday, Monday (2022-01-17) at about 15:00. Upon arrival, they found the body of an unknown man next to the road who sustained gunshot wounds to his head. The victim were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The motive for the attack is taxi related,’’ said Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi.

‘’The unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. Harare police is investigating a murder. Anyone with information are urged to call Crime stop on 08600 10111,’’ added Swartbooi.

Dibela was also the Deputy Chairperson of SA National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the Western Cape.

The City of Cape Town’s mayco member for transport, Rob Quintas, condemned the killing.

‘’I also want to condemn this brutality in the strongest possible terms as this alleged hit may lead to renewed conflict between the minibus-taxi associations that operate across Cape Town. We are extremely concerned about the danger and disruption this may pose to commuters, operators, and all of those involved in the industry.’’

‘’I am pleading with all parties to remain calm, and to work together for the benefit of our commuters and those employed by the industry. I will be calling for a meeting between Codeta, the Mayor and the Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works to see how we can assist,’’ added Quintas.

Quintas said that Dibela’s demise halts progress in signing a contract of the MyCiTi N2 Express service between Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha and the Cape Town CBD

‘’The operating contract with the N2 Company was to be signed this week. Due to this tragic event, we are now faced with huge uncertainty about the signing of this operating contract and the future of the N2 Express service.’’

Western Cape’s Transport and Public Works MEC, Daylinn Mitchell, described Dibela as a ’’firm leader who showed dedication to change the image of the minibus taxi industry.’’

Mitchell called on police and enforcement authorities to leave no stones unturned in finding the perpetrators

‘’I call on the SAPS and enforcement authorities to work around the clock to find Mr Dibela’s killers and bring them to book as soon as possible along with the perpetrators of other taxi related crimes.’’

‘’I extend my sincere condolences to Mr Dibela’s family, to the members of CODETA and to the colleagues in the broader taxi industry. May his soul Rest in Peace,’’ added Mitchell.

 

PICTURED: Mzoxolo Dibela (George Herald)

Done By: Mitchum George