The families of the three taxi marshals who were shot and killed in a brazen daylight attack in Soweto on Monday, April 7, have identified the bodies of their loved ones, as police continue investigations into what is believed to be yet another deadly chapter in the area’s ongoing taxi wars.
The victims were employed by the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA), one of the two rival associations allegedly embroiled in a bitter, decade-long dispute over six lucrative routes in Soweto. Their rivals, the Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association (Nanduwe), are also vying for control of the contested corridors.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred at approximately 8am along Nape and Zulu Drive. The three victims were found inside a white vehicle, riddled with multiple gunshot wounds.
Police have yet to confirm the motive, but speculation strongly points to tensions linked to the protracted turf war between the two taxi groups.
Colonel Noxolo Kweza, SAPS spokesperson, confirmed that a triple murder case has been opened, with no arrests made at this stage. "Investigations are ongoing," she said.
One of the victims has been identified as 47-year-old Bongani Buthelezi, who leaves behind three children. His sister, Zinhle Msweli, described him as a dedicated family man.
“He was a humble man who would do anything for his family,” Msweli told IOL. “He was the only brother we had left, and he took good care of us. He was our breadwinner.”
Msweli said her brother had previously escaped similar attacks unscathed, but his luck ran out on Monday. The family, she added, was devastated to learn of his death through social media before receiving any official communication.
She admitted they had repeatedly warned Buthelezi about the risks associated with his job, but he would brush off their concerns. “We couldn’t force him to quit — that was his livelihood,” she said.
As the community reels from the tragedy, renewed calls are being made for greater intervention into the violent feuds plaguing Soweto’s taxi industry.