Family of slain Soweto taxi marshall speaks out after tragic shooting

Family of slain Soweto taxi marshall speaks out after tragic shooting! The family of Bongani Buthelezi, one of the marshalls killed in a recent taxi violence incident in Soweto, has spoken out about the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding his death. Buthelezi was among three patrollers gunned down in Mofolo on Monday, in yet another violent episode linked to the long-running turf wars plaguing the taxi industry.

A Job Taken Out of Necessity

At just 47 years old, Buthelezi was a father of three and the primary provider for his family. His relatives said he took the marshall job out of necessity, fully aware of the dangers it posed.

According to his sister, Xoli Dlamini, the family had frequent conversations about the risks he faced while working in the volatile taxi industry.

“It was tough for me to criticise his work even though it was risky,” said Dlamini. “Because I couldn’t support him financially, and he had children to take care of.”

Soweto taxi marshall

Taxi marshalls, or patrollers, often work on the frontline of commuter transport systems, ensuring order at taxi ranks and assisting with route management. However, their positions can place them in the crossfire of rival associations and disputes over territory or operational control.

Brutal Killing Shocks Community

Buthelezi and two of his colleagues were shot dead in broad daylight in Mofolo, a suburb that has experienced years of intermittent taxi-related violence. While the exact motive behind the shooting remains unknown, speculation continues to mount that the killings are linked to ongoing disputes between local taxi associations.

Residents in the area say the killings have left them shaken, and many are now afraid to use taxis amid fears of further violence.

Local civic organizations and transport unions have condemned the murders and are calling for urgent intervention by authorities to stabilize the situation in Soweto and other affected communities.

Family Left in the Dark

Adding to their grief, Buthelezi’s family has expressed disappointment with how the taxi association handled the aftermath of his death. They claim that no one from the WATA (Witwatersrand African Taxi Association) reached out to them with news of his passing. Instead, they discovered the tragic news via social media.

“We had to find out on Facebook that my brother was murdered,” said Dlamini. “No one from the association even bothered to call us. It’s as if his life meant nothing.”

The lack of communication has only deepened the family’s pain and raised questions about the treatment of taxi workers, especially those working under high-risk conditions.

No Arrests Yet as Police Investigate

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to investigate the killings. Authorities have promised to bring those responsible to justice, but families like Buthelezi’s are calling for faster action and increased police visibility in areas where taxi violence remains rampant.

Gauteng police spokespersons have urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.

In the meantime, law enforcement agencies have said they will increase patrols and intelligence efforts in taxi-related hotspots to prevent further bloodshed.

Calls for Reform in the Taxi Industry

This latest attack has once again brought attention to the urgent need for reform in the taxi industry, which remains a critical but largely unregulated sector of South Africa’s public transport system.

Violence stemming from competition between associations, lack of government oversight, and disputes over routes continues to cost lives, with little accountability.

Activists and families affected by the violence are demanding that authorities implement stricter laws, improve conflict resolution frameworks, and provide better support for workers within the industry.

A Life Cut Short

For now, the Buthelezi family is left to mourn a man who risked his life daily to provide for his children. “He didn’t want much from life,” Dlamini said. “Just to see his kids grow up and have a better future. That dream has now been stolen from us.”