CATA leader gunned down just days after taxi route restrictions lifted
The ongoing conflict between taxi associations in the Western Cape continues to escalate, with the recent shooting of a Cata leader.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Barely 72 hours after Western Cape Mobility Department reopened taxi routes after a month-long shutdown due to violent clashes between rival associations, a Cata taxi businessman has been shot and killed and two of his bodyguards wounded on the R300 towards Somerset West on Monday.
Cata has since expressed outrage and sadness that yet another of their executive member's lives were wiped out, citing that no arrests have been made in the current and past cases this year.
Nkululeko Sityebi, spokesperson for Cata told Cape Argus last night they were devastated that one of their longest serving members was murdered, stating that a pattern was being observed with executive members being gunned down.
In September, Cata’s first deputy chairperson, Mnikeli Mgope, 61, was shot and killed while sitting in his Toyota Fortuner at Nyanga taxi rank.
The latest killing has claimed the life of Thembelani Mzola, who had been a member of Cata for ten years.
“We can confirm one of the members was gunned down,” Sityebi said.
“This is a big loss for Cata. The bodyguards were also shot.
“We are appealing for arrests to be made. All the executive members have been gunned down, there is a trend.
“Whether you are leading in regional and national.”
“It is the pattern and timing.
"There have been no arrests made in our executive members' cases or the preparators brought to book.
“The lives of the taxi businessman, it looks like it means nothing.”
Siyebi added they could not point fingers on who was responsible for the killings: "We cannot accuse anyone, it is for the police to investigate.
The closure of the routes took place on September 17 following six fatalities which was linked to disputes between Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta). Restrictions were lifted on Friday while negotiations continue.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg said police was determining the motive behind the shooting.
"Delft police responded to a complaint of a shooting on Monday morning, October 20, at about 9.15am on the R300, and upon arrival on the scene they found a 32- year- old male who sustained gunshot wounds to his body.
The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. "Two adult males were wounded and were transported to a medical facility for treatment. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation.
"The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.
"Delft detectives are investigating murder and attempted murder cases.
"The injured are believed to be security personnel linked to taxis."
Codeta via their media statement issued said they wished to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting and that they had distanced themselves from any violence.
"The Codeta Regional Taxi Council is shocked and saddened by the tragic events that have unfolded, resulting in the loss of life, including the shooting of a taxi boss on the R300 southbound towards Somerset West," it said.
"We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
It is crucial to note that the Codeta Regional Taxi Council, specifically those operating on the Somerset West route, were part of the meeting that led to the reopening of the taxi routes."
However, we strongly distance ourselves from any actions or individuals that may have contributed to this senseless violence.
Benson Ngqentsu, ANC Caucus Spokesperson in the Legislature & SACP Provincial Secretary, called on both CATA & CODETA to urgently resolve their impasse.
"Those who are involved in these senseless killings must be exposed and brought to book. The killings must stop. The minibus taxi industry (Cata and Codeta) must appreciate that ongoing violence will only alienate and destroy the taxi industry that so many depend on.
The ANC, SACP, COSATU & SANCO Task Team led by comrade Ramatlakane has been working hard to mediate. We urge the Western Cape Government to step in and do everything possible to help resolve this crisis."