Taxi violence and related killings are no longer confined to the big towns and cities — the scourge is also spreading to the Vhembe District. Another taxi owner, Mr Lindelani Tshivhandekano (37), a member of the Beitbridge Taxi Association (BTA), was gunned down in Musina on Friday.
Last month, Mr Lucky Siphuma (35), deputy chairperson of the Nancefield Taxi Association, was shot and killed at a food and car-wash establishment, along with a taxi queue marshal, Mr Ben Morudi (36). They were approached by two unknown men, who shot both Siphuma and Morudi in the head from behind. A bystander pulled out his licensed firearm and returned fire, fatally wounding one of the attackers. The second assailant fled the scene. Another man, Mr Gershwin Ronewa Mukwevho (25), was also injured during the shooting.
Friday's murder sent shock waves through the taxi industry and the local community, with many calling on the government to tighten the screws and apprehend the killers.
The shooting took place at around 02:00 on Friday morning near the KFC outlet in Musina. According to the police's provincial spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba, Mr Tshivhandekano was sitting inside his vehicle while his female companion went to collect their order. Two unknown male suspects, driving a white VW Polo with unknown registration plates, arrived and started firing several shots in the direction of the victim before speeding off.
Ledwaba said that when police arrived at the scene, a male victim was found with gunshot wounds. He was certified dead on the scene by Emergency Medical Services personnel. He added that the motive behind the killing was not yet known and investigations continued.
The police are appealing to anyone who can assist with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the investigating officer, Det-Capt Moloko Setjie, on 076 361 6808, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or alternatively use the MySAPS app.
A member of the Beitbridge Taxi Association, Mr Ratshi Leshaba, said he was still shocked that one of their members had been shot dead. "The role he played in fostering unity, discipline, hard work, and dedication within the family and community shall always be cherished," Leshaba said.
The family spokesperson, Mr Vhukhudo Tshivhandekano, said family members were still traumatised and did not understand the reason for such a murder. "We are still shocked and terrified by this assassination. We used to regard him as our pillar," he added.
He described Lindelani as a visionary and a strategic thinker. "We have received many messages of condolences locally and from abroad, and it shows us that my uncle was a people's person and accommodating to everyone, irrespective of colour, race, and religion," he said.
The funeral will be held on Sunday, 29 June, at Maname Paradise at 06:00.