The family of 27-year-old Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase, the e-hailing driver tragically shot and burned near Maponya Mall last week, have expressed shock and disbelief after Uber stated they had no record of him being registered as a driver on their platform.
Mvelase's death occurred on the evening of Wednesday, 13 August, when unknown gunmen attacked e-hailing drivers outside the mall. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi reported that a vehicle was seen stopping at the entrance when four men approached and opened fire on the driver before setting the car alight.
"Another vehicle nearby was also shot at, but the driver managed to flee. That vehicle was also torched," said Nevhuhulwi. A passer-by and the second driver sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital. Police have opened a case of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson for investigation.
In a statement released following the incident, Uber expressed their condolences but maintained that the drivers involved were not registered on their platform. "We are deeply saddened by what has happened — this incident is beyond tragic, and our thoughts are with all those affected during this incredibly difficult time," Uber said.
The company further stated, "While the drivers affected have been confirmed not to be registered on the Uber platform, the safety of every driver and rider using any e-hailing service should always be a priority, and it is something we take very seriously at Uber."
Uber also stated that on the day of the incident, it dispatched its Public Safety Liaison team – composed of experienced former law enforcement professionals- to work with authorities and provide investigative support. The company said it also reached out to law enforcement to offer its full assistance and temporarily paused service in the affected area "until we could be certain that both drivers and riders on the Uber platform could travel safely."
"We remain committed to working closely with industry stakeholders, authorities, and the broader e-hailing community to help make the industry safer for all drivers and riders," it added.
However, speaking to IOL News on Monday morning, Khonzi Khuzwayo, Mvelase's mother, expressed her astonishment at Uber's statement. "Is it?" she responded with shock. "We don’t know what they are talking about, because he started working as an Uber driver on Monday."
The family's account paints a picture of a young man eager to improve his circumstances. Mvelase had only just begun working as an e-hailing driver two days before his death, according to his aunt, Zanele Khuzwayo.
"He was the son of my eldest sister and an only child," said Zanele Khuzwayo. "He was born in 1998. After finishing matric, he moved to Johannesburg to look for work. I used to help him now and then, but he always tried to stand on his own. Eventually, he moved back home to KwaZulu-Natal."
Mvelase had recently returned to Johannesburg to pursue better opportunities, his aunt explained. "A few months ago, he told me, ‘Auntie, I’m coming back to Joburg, and I’m going to get an Uber car,’” she recalled. “He was so excited. He finally got the car two weeks ago and started working this past Monday. Then boom, by Wednesday night — we got the news.”
Khuzwayo said the family was reeling from the tragedy. "He wanted to make a living and take care of his mother, who is sickly. He had so many plans, and they were all cut short.”
The discrepancy between Uber's statement and the family's account raises questions about the circumstances surrounding Mvelase's employment and the verification processes within the e-hailing industry.
Adding to the family's distress, they are struggling to afford the costs associated with Mvelase's burial. Mvelase was his mother’s only child, and her world shattered upon hearing the news. IOL News previously reported that overwhelmed by grief, Khonzi Khuzwayo was rushed to hospital as her health rapidly declined.
The family has indicated that they need financial assistance to cover burial costs and are unable to afford repatriating his remains from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal. "What is more dreadful is that we have been told he was burnt to ashes. They only recovered his shinbone. Maybe we would have found closure if they could have at least spared his body after shooting him. Currently, we have no money for burial. We have nothing,” Mlamuli Khuzwayo said.
The family is still awaiting DNA results before funeral arrangements can be made. “We are still waiting for forensics to give us the results so we can start with the funeral arrangements. At the moment, we don’t have the exact date for the funeral service,” Khuzwayo said.
Meanwhile, KZN MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga, is expected to visit the family of Mvelase, in the Nhlungwane area of Ulundi in northern KwaZulu-Natal on Monday.
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