The chairperson of the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) in Gauteng, Thami Moyo, was gunned down in a brazen daylight attack on the Soweto Highway in Diepkloof on Thursday, sparking fears of renewed violence in South Africa’s troubled taxi industry.

The 58-year-old was driving alone shortly after 09h30 when his bakkie was boxed in by two cars. Armed suspects opened fire, riddling his car with bullets before fleeing the scene. Moyo died instantly.
Gauteng police confirmed they have launched a massive manhunt for the killers.

“Police have opened a case of murder following the fatal shooting of a 58-year-old man, reported to be the Gauteng chairperson of the National Taxi Alliance,” said provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo. “The suspects, travelling in two vehicles, fired several shots at the victim. The motive for the killing cannot be confirmed at this stage, although it is suspected to be related to ongoing taxi violence.”

Masondo appealed to members of the public to assist investigators. “Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted through the MySAPS app.”

The NTA confirmed Moyo’s death, with its spokesperson Theo Malele describing the killing as “a dark day” for the organisation.

“We are shocked and devastated by the assassination of our provincial chairperson,” Malele said. “At this point, the reasons for this brutal attack remain unclear. The NTA is currently in an urgent meeting to discuss the developments and map the way forward.”

Malele added that Moyo had been a respected figure within the taxi industry and had often called for peace among rival associations. “He was dedicated to resolving disputes through dialogue rather than violence. His loss will leave a deep void.”

Moyo’s assassination comes just weeks after the Gauteng Transport Department raised an alarm about safety in the taxi sector. Speaking at a provincial transport safety indaba, officials warned that persistent killings were undermining commuter confidence and crippling economic activity.

“The bloodshed in the taxi industry must stop. Too many lives are being lost, and communities are living in fear,” an official said at the time. “Taxi associations need to put the interests of commuters first, above profits and power struggles.”

South Africa’s taxi industry, which transports more than 15 million commuters daily, has long been plagued by deadly turf wars. Disputes over profitable routes often escalate into violence, with association leaders and drivers targeted in contract-style killings.

According to police statistics, at least 70 taxi-related murders were recorded in Gauteng in 2024, with national figures estimated at over 120 killings linked to the sector in the same year. KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng remain the hardest-hit provinces, accounting for nearly 70% of reported cases.

Experts warn that the figure may be even higher due to underreporting and cases not formally linked to the taxi industry.

Residents in Diepkloof told journalists they were shaken by Thursday’s attack, which took place in full public view on a busy highway during peak traffic hours.

“We were driving behind him when suddenly two cars swerved and blocked his way,” said a witness, who asked not to be named. “Then shots just rang out, dozens of them. People started screaming and ducking for cover. It was like a war zone.”

Community activist Nokuthula Shabangu said the continued violence is leaving ordinary people traumatised. “We use taxis every day because they are our main transport. Now even the leaders are not safe. What does that say about us, the commuters?”

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), a rival body to the NTA, also condemned the killing. Its spokesperson said: “Regardless of our differences, violence is not the answer. We call on law enforcement to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Civil society organisations have urged the government to fast-track reforms in the taxi sector, including better regulation of routes, transparent dispute resolution mechanisms, and stronger policing of taxi-related crimes.

As news of Moyo’s assassination spread, tributes poured in on social media from colleagues, commuters, and political leaders. Many hailed him as a pragmatic leader who sought to modernise the industry and protect drivers’ livelihoods.

For now, Gauteng commuters are bracing for possible flare-ups of violence. In the past, assassinations of senior taxi leaders have often triggered retaliatory attacks and clashes between rival associations.
By mid-afternoon, the Soweto Highway had been reopened after police closed it for several hours to allow forensic teams to comb the scene.