CODETA's B97 route taxi boss gunned down in suspected hit

Taxi mother body, the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) has confirmed the death of its Paarl/Mbekweni chairman Siyabulela Mandyoli.

The B97 route’s leader was shot and killed outside his home in the Mbekweni area yesterday afternoon. It’s understood gunmen driving a black BMW vehicle had been waiting for him outside his premises, and proceeded to open fire. CODETA spokesperson Andile Khanyi confirmed the news to Smile FM early this morning:

“He was shot, as he made his way home and we don’t know what the motive was. We suspect there was a black BMW which was waiting for him at home, after which they shot him dead,” says Khanyi.

NO CLEAR MOTIVE FOR THE MURDER

It remains unclear whether the killing was linked to the infamous B97 route, which has been the cause of controversy. Taxi violence in this vicinity has claimed dozens of lives in recent years.

“It was (linked). We know there was a meeting the last time, with the CATA guys. They don’t stick to the agreement that was made by us, as well as the transport department in the Western Cape, because they were also putting illegal taxis on that particular route, which was not accepted by the members of CODETA because it was not what they have agreed upon,” says Khanyi.

NO ARRESTS AT THIS STAGE

The Police’s Frederick Van Wyk says a case of murder has been opened for investigation, with no arrests at this stage.

“Mbekweni police are investigating a murder case following a shooting incident on 2023-06-06 at about 16:30 Phokeng Street, Mbekweni, which claimed the life of a 52-year-old man. The motive for this incident is suspected to be taxi related. Detectives of the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime: Taxi Violent Unit are questioning several people in a bid to apprehend those responsible. Anyone with any information about this fatal incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” says Van Wyk.

Furthermore, the Western Department of Mobility’s Rebecca Campbell says security has been heightened in the area.

FEARS OF MORE TAXI-RELATED KILLINGS

Additionally, CODETA’s Western Cape Secretary General Nceba Enge says he’s fearful that this incident will lead to increased taxi violence. He has called on members of the public, and other taxi owners to remain calm.

“We promise to try by all means to prevent any escalation of violence, from what happened. Members of the public, they just need to be calm. We also call upon our CODETA members to be calm, and leave everything to the law enforcement agencies,” says Enge.

The South African National Taxi Council has also expressed its shock and dismay following the brutal killing. SANTACO’s provincial chair, Mandla Hermanus offered his condolences:

“Mr Mandyoli was a key figure during the negotiations that led to the reopening of the B97 route from Mbekweni to Bellville, after a deadly conflict that had led to the closure of the route. He had been instrumental in ensuring that there was peaceful co-existence amongst the two taxi associations operating Mbekweni (CATA and Codeta). His death has robbed the industry of a leader who was working hard to eradicate violance in the Minibus Taxi Industry in the Western Cape. As Santaco we convey our deepest felt condolences to his family. We call on our members who might have information to assist law enforcement agencies so that the killers can be arrested and brought to justice,” says Hermanus.