Taxi Boss Who Was Shot Dead Last Week Was Murdered Allegedly By Members Within The Taxi Association
Johannesburg was rocked by the murder of Molefe Moekeletsi, a 52-year-old veteran taxi industry leader, in what Gauteng authorities say was an internal feud within the taxi association. The chairperson of the Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand and Sandton Taxi Association (ARMSTA) was shot dead on 30 October in Marlboro Gardens during a daylight attack, police confirmed.
According to officials, Moekeletsi and his convoy were ambushed by gunmen in a white BMW X5. The attack killed Moekeletsi and one bodyguard instantly, while five others, including additional security personnel, sustained injuries. Authorities discovered the getaway vehicle abandoned near Alexandra’s Jukskei River, with signs of blood inside, suggesting one of the attackers was also hit during the shooting. This incident marks the 40th taxi-related death in Gauteng this year, highlighting ongoing conflicts within the sector.
Moekeletsi, who directed ABC Transport and expanded his family’s taxi operations across suburban routes, had survived previous attacks, including a 2019 office shooting and an arson attack on his fleet. Just weeks before his death, he convened a rally at Alexandra’s Kwabhekilanga Sports Ground, calling for an end to violence in the taxi industry. His death has left a significant void in a sector crucial to millions of commuters daily.
Police Acting Commissioner Fred Kekana has promised a thorough investigation, focusing on CCTV footage, ballistics, and community tips. Joburg’s Transport MMC Kenny Kunene mourned Moekeletsi, praising his efforts in modernising buses and training drivers. Families and local residents continue to grapple with the loss of a figure known for mediation and leadership in a notoriously violent industry.
Further photos, videos, and in-depth analysis of the incident are available on SouthReport.
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