LIMPOPO – The escalating taxi-related violence in the Vhembe District has reached a critical point, with the latest victim, 37-year-old Lindelani Tshivhandekano, a member of the Beitbridge Taxi Association (BTA), gunned down in Musina. This marks the third deadly shooting in just over a month, raising serious concerns among taxi industry members and local residents.
According to police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba, Tshivhandekano was shot multiple times in the early hours of June 28 while waiting in his vehicle near a fast-food outlet. Two unknown suspects in a white hatchback opened fire before fleeing the scene. His female companion, who had stepped out to collect their food, was unharmed. Emergency services declared Tshivhandekano dead at the scene.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and police investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Capt Moloko Setjie at 076 361 6808 or use the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111 or the MySAPS app.
This incident follows a separate attack last month, where Nancefield Taxi Association’s deputy chairperson, Lucky Siphuma (35), and queue marshall Ben Morudi (36) were also shot and killed. A bystander with a licensed firearm fatally shot one of the attackers, while the other fled. Another person, 25-year-old Gershwin Mukwevho, was injured in that incident.
The Beitbridge Taxi Association has been left reeling by the loss of Lindelani Tshivhandekano. Association representative Ratshi Leshaba described Tshivhandekano as a dedicated and unifying figure within the organisation.
Family spokesperson Vhukhudo Tshivhandekano said the family is devastated and still searching for answers. “He was our pillar, a visionary and a man who welcomed everyone,” he said. Lindelani Tshivhandekano was laid to rest on Sunday at Maname Paradise.
Police say the shootout occurred during an intelligence-driven sting on Monday, targeting a group suspected of extortion. Police opened fire after the suspects reportedly got out of their vehicle and began shooting.
Yolelo had been a prominent figure in the taxi industry, rising through the ranks from being a car washer and conductor, to national chairperson of SANTACO. He held various positions in the Eastern Cape before taking over the national role in 2022.
Police have yet to confirm the identities of all six men killed, but SANTACO says it received official notification last night that Yolelo had died in the incident.
His death comes just weeks after one of his vehicles, a 22-seater minibus, was swept away by floodwaters in the province. It was carrying 13 schoolchildren, a driver and a passenger. Five people were rescued, but the Eastern Cape government has not yet confirmed how many of the other passengers died, as recovery and verification efforts continue.
SANTACO Spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Phala said, "There will not be any further media interviews as the matter of Mr Yolelo’s passing is a part of police investigations which are still ongoing.” Phala says Yolelo will be remembered for his principled leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming the industry.
The recent surge in taxi-related violence in both Limpopo and the Eastern Cape underscores the challenges facing the industry and the urgent need for intervention.
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