Siyabulela Mandyoli, the chairperson of the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta), was fatally shot outside his home in Mbekweni, a suburb in Paarl, on Tuesday evening.
The 52-year-old’s murder was confirmed by the police just before 5pm on Tuesday. A case of murder is currently being investigated by the authorities.
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According to IOL, Captain Frederick van Wyk, the provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that the incident took place on Tuesday at around 4:30pm on Phokeng Street, Mbekweni. The motive for the murder is believed to be connected to the taxi industry.
‘Detectives of the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime: Taxi Violent Unit are questioning several people in a bid to apprehend those responsible,’ said van Wyk.
Mandla Hermanus, the chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Western Cape, expressed shock upon learning about Mr Mandyoli’s killing. He described Mandyoli as a key figure in the negotiations that led to the reopening of the B97 route from Mbekweni to Bellville after a conflict had caused its closure.
Hermanus conveyed Santaco’s condolences to Mandyoli’s family and called on Santaco members with information to assist the law enforcement agencies in apprehending the perpetrators. He also urged taxi operators to remain calm and allow the legal process to unfold.
‘As Santaco, we convey our deepest 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,’ Hermanus said.
The police have requested that anyone with information about the incident contact Crime Stop at 8600 10111.
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Picture: Scott Rodgerson / Unsplash