Alexandra Taxi Association Chairperson Killed in Woodmead Ambush as Violence Escalates
Alexandra Taxi Association chairperson Vusi Mayaba has been shot and killed in an attack widely believed to be linked to the ongoing taxi violence gripping the township. The assassination took place in Woodmead, Sandton, late on Thursday night, only hours after provincial leaders held urgent talks aimed at calming tensions in the troubled sector.
According to the police, the 52-year-old Mayaba was sitting in a parking lot with another man at around 10.30pm when they were ambushed. SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said two armed suspects approached the pair and opened fire using automatic rifles. Mayaba died on the scene, while the second man escaped unharmed.
Masondo confirmed that investigators suspect the killing is connected to the long-standing conflict between taxi associations in Alexandra, where violence has continued to escalate despite ongoing interventions. He said police had launched a murder investigation and were now searching for the two gunmen.
Mayaba’s death came on the same day that Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela and deputy provincial commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana met with several taxi associations from across the province. The high-level meeting was called to address growing hostilities in the industry, with officials disclosing during the briefing that at least 85 people have been killed in the current wave of taxi-related attacks.
The Alexandra taxi routes were among the key points of discussion at the briefing, where provincial authorities and taxi bodies attempted to find ways to quell the violence. Hours later, reports of Mayaba’s killing emerged, placing renewed pressure on the province’s security cluster to act decisively.
Police believe the murder is linked to the simmering tensions between rival groups competing for dominance in the area. The ongoing disputes over routes, control and revenue have led to repeated clashes, placing commuters, taxi operators and community members at risk.
As detectives work to trace the attackers, authorities are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information that may help identify or locate the suspects is urged to contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600-10111. The police have stressed that all information will be treated confidentially.
The investigation continues
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