Maponya Mall Shooting Victim’s Body Transported to KZN, E-Hailing Drivers Pay Tribute to Colleague
- Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase will be laid to rest in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 6 September 2025
- The 27-year-old was killed in a brutal attack on e-hailing drivers at Maponya Mall in Soweto on 13 August 2025
- Mvelase's aunt, Zanele Khuzwayo, stated that police said they would provide an update on the case after his funeral
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase’s remains are heading home to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) ahead of his funeral on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
The 27-year-old was killed in a violent attack at Maponya Mall in Soweto on 13 August 2025. Mvelase was shot by men believed to be part of the taxi industry, before his vehicle was set alight with him inside. Two other people were wounded in the attack.
Mvelase’s remains transported to KZN
On Friday, 05 September 2025, members of the e-hailing industry and Mvelase’s family gathered in Soweto to receive his remains.
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E-hailing drivers formed part of the convoy transporting his body as they paid their respects to one of their own.
You can watch the moment below.
Speaking about the moment, his aunt, Zanele Khuzwayo, said it was important that they collected his body and his soul before he was laid to rest.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), working alongside Icebolethu Funeral Parlour, will transport his body to the Nhlungwane area of Ulundi in northern KZN.
SANTACO previously pledged to assist in transporting the body after it was alleged that its members were responsible for the murder.
Has anyone been arrested for the murder?
Police are currently investigating a case of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson, but have made no arrests yet.
Khuzwayo also stated that she had received no updates from police.
“The police haven’t provided any updates on the investigation or potential arrests. They told us to focus on the burial for now and said they would update us after the funeral,” she said.
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South Africans share their thoughts
Social media users weighed in on the latest update, with many still coming to terms with his brutal death.
Candice Tumber stated:
“People come to the City of Gold for work opportunities and return home in a box. So sad.”
Zanele Buthelezi said:
“After all is said and done, he'll remain our son. May his spirit shine and heal our wounds.”
Sandulela Phalela added:
“SANTACO must be held liable and pay compensation.”
Rolfe Paynee said:
“A sad, timely reminder of the wanton violence and carnage an average South African must live through daily. Rest in peace, young soul🙏.”
Anveni Chetty added:
“Absolutely heartbreaking💔. And the taxi thugs roam free.”
Gauteng government appoints task team to deal with situation
Briefly News reported that the Gauteng government established a task team to tackle the violence between the taxi and e-hailing industries.
Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela announced had a meeting with taxi associations and e-hailing drivers following Mvelase's death.
South Africans were not satisfied, and some called on the government to take a stricter stance on the taxi industry.
SANTACO dismisses Gauteng shutdown claims as Ekurhuleni strike leaves commuters stranded
Meanwhile, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) denied allegations that its members embarked on a shutdown in Gauteng. This was after SANTACO embarked on a strike in Ekurhuleni on 28 August 2025, which left thousands of commuters stranded.
In a statement, SANTACO released, the body said that the services in Ekurhuleni were halted because the City of Ekurhuleni impounded its members' taxis. The municipality's Transport Department reportedly impounded 17 taxis for various offences, including unroadworthy vehicles. In response to the impounding, SANTACO members refused to provide services.
The strike also affected bus services, including the Harambee Bus services, which have been suspended.
SANTACO also said that commuters across the province can continue to rely on transportation as the strike is limited only to Ekurhuleni.
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