JOHANNESBURG – The body of 27-year-old e-hailing driver, Mthokozisi Mvelase, has finally been returned to his grieving family after weeks of painful waiting. Mvelase tragically lost his life in a hail of bullets outside Maponya Mall in Soweto last month, in an incident that shocked the local community and ignited growing concerns over violence targeting drivers in the e-hailing sector.
His remains were only handed over to his family on Friday after DNA testing was completed to confirm his identity. The delay added another layer of anguish for his loved ones, who were already reeling from the violent nature of his death.
Mvelase, an e-hailing driver with a reputation for being hardworking and respectful, was killed in a brutal attack in front of one of Soweto’s busiest shopping centers. His vehicle was torched in the aftermath, and three other individuals caught in the crossfire miraculously survived the shooting.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, where family, friends, colleagues, and community members will gather to pay their final respects.
The Tragic Death of an E-Hailing Driver
The murder of e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Mvelase has reignited tensions between traditional taxi operators and drivers in the app-based ride-hailing sector. While police investigations are still ongoing, many community members have pointed fingers at local taxi operators, accusing them of orchestrating the attack.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), while rejecting claims of direct involvement, has extended its condolences to the Mvelase family and has offered support in organizing funeral arrangements. SANTACO spokesperson, Rebecca Phala, addressed the media and the public, emphasizing unity during this difficult time.
“We will gather there amongst his family, friends and colleagues as well as colleagues in the greater transport space,” said Phala. “We will be doing so to pay our last respect to him and to offer our condolences to his family in this difficult time.”
Despite the outpouring of support, the incident has once again placed a spotlight on the dangers e-hailing drivers face daily in South Africa, especially in areas where competition for passengers remains fierce.
The tragic fate of Mthokozisi Mvelase is not an isolated incident. Over the past few years, many e-hailing drivers have fallen victim to violence, often in hotspots where tension exists between meter taxi operators and digital ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt.
According to industry watchdogs and driver associations, intimidation, vehicle hijackings, and in extreme cases, murders, have plagued the sector for years. Many e-hailing drivers operate under constant threat, particularly in townships or high-traffic zones where informal rules dictate who is allowed to pick up passengers.
In Mvelase’s case, the level of violence – with bullets flying in a public space and the burning of his car – points to an alarming escalation. Community leaders have demanded more protection for e-hailing operators and harsher consequences for those who use violence as a tool of competition.
As preparations for the funeral are underway, the Soweto community has come together in mourning. Mvelase was more than just an e-hailing driver—he was a son, a friend, and a breadwinner. Neighbors and fellow drivers describe him as soft-spoken, dedicated to his work, and always willing to go the extra mile to support his passengers and family.
The memorial service is expected to draw large crowds, including representatives from various transport associations, ride-hailing app companies, and activists advocating for driver safety.
Calls have also grown louder for a national dialogue between the taxi industry, government, and e-hailing platforms to prevent future bloodshed.
The Department of Transport has yet to release a formal statement on Mvelase’s death, but pressure is mounting. E-hailing driver unions and civil society groups are demanding swift justice and stronger policy protections for drivers working in the digital transport economy.
Among the proposed solutions are:
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Designated safe zones for e-hailing pick-ups and drop-offs
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Increased law enforcement visibility in high-risk areas
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Registration and regulation reforms that ensure fair competition between transport operators
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Real-time panic alert systems integrated into ride-hailing apps
Until such measures are implemented, drivers like Mvelase remain vulnerable every time they accept a ride.
Saturday’s funeral will be a moment of deep sorrow but also reflection. For many, it’s a chance to honor the life of a young man who was simply trying to make an honest living. For others, it is a symbol of a sector crying out for justice and protection.
As the nation watches, the death of this e-hailing driver must not become just another statistic. It should be a turning point in addressing the ongoing violence in South Africa’s transportation sector.
Source- EWN
