By Johnathan Paoli
The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) in Gauteng is reeling following the assassination of its provincial chairperson, Thamsanqa “Thami” Moyo, who was gunned down in a suspected hit on the Soweto Highway on Thursday morning. Police are still searching for the killers, who are suspected to be paid hitmen.
NTA spokesperson Theo Malele confirmed Moyo’s killing in a sombre statement.
“We can confirm that there has been an assassination, but the motive behind this is unknown. It is still under investigation. All we can say for now is that our provincial chairperson was shot and killed,” Malele said.
According to Gauteng police, Moyo, 58, was driving alone in his Toyota Hilux around 9.30 am when he was intercepted near Diepkloof.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said preliminary reports indicated that the attack was carried out by suspects in two vehicles — a minibus taxi and a Toyota.
“They blocked him off, and he was fired upon multiple times. He succumbed to his wounds and was certified dead at the scene. While the motive is yet to be confirmed, we suspect it is related to ongoing taxi violence,” Masondo said.
No valuables were taken from Moyo’s vehicle.
Police immediately cordoned off the Soweto Highway between the N1 and Immink Drive, leading to heavy traffic congestion as crime scene experts gathered evidence.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the road closures.
“Emergency personnel and law enforcement officials are on scene. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and use alternative routes such as the N1 and Immink Drive,” he said.
Moyo’s murder is the latest in a string of killings linked to Gauteng’s taxi industry, where competition over lucrative routes has fueled decades of violence.
In April, the provincial government said it had brokered a ceasefire between warring factions of the NTA and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) after months of bloodshed.
At that point, at least 59 people had been killed in taxi-related violence in the province since the start of the year.
Moyo himself had been navigating a difficult landscape as NTA chairperson. He had attempted to mediate disputes between rival associations, notably the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association and the Nancefield Dube West Association, which have long clashed over operating rights in Soweto.
His leadership was marked by efforts to restore order but also by constant threats and instability.
Masondo said the taxi violence task team, a specialised police unit, could take over the investigation if links to taxi conflicts are formally established.
“We are working closely with the Department of Transport and metro police departments. We’ve made arrests in other cases related to taxi violence, and we hope to get a breakthrough in this one as well,” he said.
He urged members of the public to come forward with information.
“Anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects is urged to contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously via the MySAPS app,” he said.
Provincial transport said it would not yet comment on the incident, but officials privately expressed concern that Moyo’s assassination could derail recent attempts to mediate peace between rival groups.
Moyo’s death comes just weeks after another high-profile attack on a public transport operator.
On 13 August, e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Mvelase was shot and burned to death near Maponya Mall, in an attack believed to be linked to tensions between minibus taxi drivers and e-hailing services.
Two others were injured in that incident, and no arrests have been made.
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