Taxi boss killed in hail of bullets

Western Cape’s taxi industry is in a state of shock after the brutal murder of a top taxi boss, Siyabulela Mandyoli (52). The chairman of Codeta-Paarl Taxi Alliance (PATA) was murdered outside his home in Phokeng Street in Mbekweni, Paarl on Tuesday afternoon.

Mandyoli was one of the key members who worked towards reopening the B97 route that was closed due to taxi violence two years ago.

Codeta spokesman, Andile Khanyi, confirmed the incident but did not want to speculate on the motive of the killing. “At this point, we do not want to speculate on the motive behind his killing. He was shot in front of his house,” said Khanyi.

Santaco Western Cape Chairperson, Mandla Hermanus, expressed his shock at the murder. “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.”

Mandyoli worked tirelessly to ensure peaceful co-existence amongst the two taxi associations operating in Mbekweni (CATA and Codeta) and was instrumental in eradicating violence in the Minibus Taxi Industry in the Western Cape.

Police spokesman Captain Frederick Van Wyk confirmed the incident and stated that the motive of the murder was suspected to be taxi-related. The Provincial Serious and Violent Crime: Taxi Violent Unit is questioning several people in a bid to apprehend those responsible.

The murder of Mandyoli has left a huge void in the industry, and Santaco has conveyed their deepest condolences to his family and friends. The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.