The well-known taxi owner and public relations officer of the Makhado Long Distance Taxi Association (Malta), Mr Solomon Makananisa, was killed by unknown gunmen at Magau on Tuesday night.
Residents from the Sinthumule and Kutama areas were still in shock after hearing about the brutal murder of Makananisa (58) of Madodonga village in Kutama. They believe his death is related to taxi violence.
"Makananisa apparently parked his taxi at Magau village when unknown gunmen approached him and shot him several times" said the spokesperson for the Tshilwavhusiku police, Sgt Thilivhali Maloa. He said that it was uncertain whether or not the assailants had been following him. "Investigations continue and no one has been arrested yet," said Maloa.
Sgt Maloa appealed to members of the community to furnish the police with information that can help them trace the suspects. Maloa extended her condolences to the bereaved family. She indicated that the community would sorely miss the good working relationship and support they had received from Makananisa.
The secretary of Malta, Mr Chris Makananisa, said the organisation had lost a leader who could never be replaced. He said the organisation was saddened by Makananisa's untimely death. "He was such a good man, and his inputs always made an impact in the organisation," he said. "We regarded him as our pillar. He was always available to solve our problems," said Chris.
Chris said that it was difficult to understand why his uncle had been killed. "He was a visionary man and the strategic thinker of the transport business," he said.
This is not the first incident of what could be taxi related violence in the region the past few months. Two months ago a taxi owner was shot dead at his home in Louis Trichardt.
At the time of going to press no funeral details were available as the family was still busy with all the arrangements.