The killing of a prominent Eastern Cape taxi boss over the weekend has raised fears of a breakout of an all-out taxi war in the region.
Xolani Mapuma, who was at the centre of a leadership battle in his association, was gunned down in broad daylight at Mdantsane’s Highway Taxi Rank on Saturday afternoon.
Witnesses said Mapuma, 55, was shot dead by a man who nonchalantly walked up to him and pumped several bullets through the deceased’s back before climbing into a nearby getaway car and speeding off.
The brazen killing happened in full view of other taxi operators and commuters. Mapuma died on the scene.
Mapuma’s 31-year-old son, Zwelixolile, said one of the bullets hit his father in the back of his head.
The killing came just days before Mapuma and a faction of the Mdantsane East London Taxi Association (Melta) were due in court over a leadership dispute.
Mapuma was vying for the hotly contested Melta chairman’s position, which has led to the province’s largest and once united taxi association splitting into two factions.
Other taxi operators now fear the shooting was a planned hit and suspect it may be linked to the power struggles within the association.
However, Melta secretary Mxolisi Sontshantsha quickly poured cold water on the claims, saying it was no time for members to point fingers.
In a meeting called by Melta yesterday, Sontshantsha said they were calling for calm amid fears of taxi violence following the shooting.
“Let the police do their work and let’s mourn his death. It’s shocking to lose a member this way, we had forgotten about incidents of violence like these in the taxi industry and we don’t want another incident to happen,” Sontshantsha said.
Mdantsane police spokesman Lieutenant Nkosikho Mzuku confirmed the shooting, saying police were investigating a case of murder.
“We can confirm the case. It is alleged that the suspect shot the deceased and fled in a sedan vehicle. Anyone with information about the suspect can contact the police.”
Mapuma was part of a faction that had taken the association to court, disputing the election of leadership. The case is currently before the East London High Court and was due back in court on Thursday.
Melta public relations officer Thabo Kata said the shooting was bad for the association, particularly with the court challenge coming up.
“After that contestation, the matter ended up in court. We could not believe it when the voting officials came with the results saying another faction had won the elections.”
Mapuma was a married father of five from Bell location in Peddie.
Zwelixolile said his father grew up in the taxi industry.
“We were born while our father was running the business, he actually also grew up in the business. We really can’t believe that he’s gone. We suspect many things but for now, we will allow the law to take its .”
Zwelixolile said police were still viewing CCTV footage.
Sontshatsha said Mapuma died while he was collecting his money at the taxi rank. No money was taken from him at the time of the shooting.
“He was an active member of the association and the fact that he was up for that senior position, it tells me what kind of person he was – a true leader,” Sontshatsha said.
Last year, a member of the Border Allied Taxi Association, was shot dead.
In July 2008, Uncedo taxi association leader Fezile Ntshona, 55, was shot and killed outside his home.
The last shooting incident to happen at the Mdantsane taxi rank was in the ’90s.
lMzuku said anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Sandile Jozi at (043) 708-7000 or 078-268-4500. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
Killing of taxi boss sparks fear of war
Xolani Mapuma, who was at the centre of a leadership battle in his association, was gunned down in broad daylight at Mdantsane’s Highway Taxi Rank on Saturday afternoon.
Witnesses said Mapuma, 55, was shot dead by a man who nonchalantly walked up to him and pumped several bullets through the deceased’s back before climbing into a nearby getaway car and speeding off.
The brazen killing happened in full view of other taxi operators and commuters. Mapuma died on the scene.
Mapuma’s 31-year-old son, Zwelixolile, said one of the bullets hit his father in the back of his head.
The killing came just days before Mapuma and a faction of the Mdantsane East London Taxi Association (Melta) were due in court over a leadership dispute.
Mapuma was vying for the hotly contested Melta chairman’s position, which has led to the province’s largest and once united taxi association splitting into two factions.
Other taxi operators now fear the shooting was a planned hit and suspect it may be linked to the power struggles within the association.
However, Melta secretary Mxolisi Sontshantsha quickly poured cold water on the claims, saying it was no time for members to point fingers.
In a meeting called by Melta yesterday, Sontshantsha said they were calling for calm amid fears of taxi violence following the shooting.
“Let the police do their work and let’s mourn his death. It’s shocking to lose a member this way, we had forgotten about incidents of violence like these in the taxi industry and we don’t want another incident to happen,” Sontshantsha said.
Mdantsane police spokesman Lieutenant Nkosikho Mzuku confirmed the shooting, saying police were investigating a case of murder.
“We can confirm the case. It is alleged that the suspect shot the deceased and fled in a sedan vehicle. Anyone with information about the suspect can contact the police.”
Mapuma was part of a faction that had taken the association to court, disputing the election of leadership. The case is currently before the East London High Court and was due back in court on Thursday.
Melta public relations officer Thabo Kata said the shooting was bad for the association, particularly with the court challenge coming up.
“After that contestation, the matter ended up in court. We could not believe it when the voting officials came with the results saying another faction had won the elections.”
Mapuma was a married father of five from Bell location in Peddie.
Zwelixolile said his father grew up in the taxi industry.
“We were born while our father was running the business, he actually also grew up in the business. We really can’t believe that he’s gone. We suspect many things but for now, we will allow the law to take its .”
Zwelixolile said police were still viewing CCTV footage.
Sontshatsha said Mapuma died while he was collecting his money at the taxi rank. No money was taken from him at the time of the shooting.
“He was an active member of the association and the fact that he was up for that senior position, it tells me what kind of person he was – a true leader,” Sontshatsha said.
Last year, a member of the Border Allied Taxi Association, was shot dead.
In July 2008, Uncedo taxi association leader Fezile Ntshona, 55, was shot and killed outside his home.
The last shooting incident to happen at the Mdantsane taxi rank was in the ’90s.
lMzuku said anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Sandile Jozi at (043) 708-7000 or 078-268-4500. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
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