Thamsanqa Moyo: Gauteng taxi leader shot, SAPS task team leads murder probe

Thamsanqa Moyo, the Gauteng chairperson of the National Taxi Alliance, was fatally shot on Thursday morning while driving along the Soweto Highway in southern Johannesburg. The brazen attack, which occurred in broad daylight, saw unknown assailants in a minibus taxi and a Toyota Yaris fire multiple shots at Moyo’s vehicle, killing him instantly before fleeing the scene. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed its specialized Taxi Violence Task Team to lead the investigation into the murder, signaling the gravity of the incident amid ongoing tensions within the taxi industry.

The shooting has heightened concerns about escalating violence linked to South Africa’s taxi sector, a vital but volatile part of the nation’s transport system. Preliminary investigations are underway, with SAPS spokesperson Mavela Masondo stating that while the motive remains unconfirmed, taxi-related violence is a primary line of inquiry given Moyo’s prominent role. “The motive for the killing cannot be confirmed at this stage. Although we suspect that it is related to taxi violence, taking into account that the victim is the chairperson of the taxi association,” Masondo said. No arrests have been made, and police are appealing for public assistance to track down the suspects.

The murder follows a pattern of deadly incidents plaguing the taxi industry, with recent violence in Cape Town and the Eastern Cape claiming multiple lives. Just two weeks ago, five people were killed in taxi-related attacks in Cape Town, including a police officer who owned a taxi, highlighting the deep-rooted conflicts between rival associations like the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA). The SAPS Taxi Violence Task Teams, established nationwide to combat such crimes, are now under pressure to deliver results in Moyo’s case.

Gauteng’s taxi industry has long been a battleground, with disputes over routes, fares, and influence often erupting into violence. The killing of Moyo, a key figure in the National Taxi Alliance, has sparked renewed calls for reform. The Gauteng government and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) recently condemned similar violence after an e-hailing driver’s death in Soweto, though critics argue their responses lack concrete plans. A multi-stakeholder task team was formed to address clashes between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, but Moyo’s murder underscores the persistent challenge of curbing intra-industry conflict.

As investigations continue, the SAPS has urged anyone with information to contact authorities or use the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111. The death of Moyo has sent shockwaves through Soweto’s communities, where minibus taxis are a lifeline for millions. With no clear motive or suspects in custody, the case highlights the urgent need for stronger interventions to address the systemic issues fueling South Africa’s taxi violence epidemic. The Taxi Violence Task Team’s findings could prove pivotal in bringing justice for Moyo and signaling a path toward safer roads.

FAQs about Thamsanqa Moyo death

1. Who was Thamsanqa Moyo?

Thamsanqa Moyo was the Gauteng chairperson of the National Taxi Alliance, a prominent figure in South Africa’s taxi industry, killed in a shooting on the Soweto Highway on September 18, 2025.

2. What happened to Thamsanqa Moyo?

Moyo was gunned down while driving on the Soweto Highway in Johannesburg. Assailants in a minibus taxi and a Toyota Yaris fired multiple shots at his vehicle, killing him instantly.

3. Who is investigating Thamsanqa Moyo’s murder?

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed its specialized Taxi Violence Task Team to lead the investigation into Moyo’s murder, with preliminary probes suggesting a link to taxi-related violence.

4. Why is taxi violence a problem in South Africa? Taxi violence in South Africa stems from disputes over routes, fares, and control within the minibus taxi industry, often involving rival associations and leading to deadly confrontations.

5. What is the SAPS Taxi Violence Task Team?

The SAPS Taxi Violence Task Team is a specialized unit established to investigate and combat crimes linked to the taxi industry, including murders, extortion, and violent disputes across South Africa.

6. What are the recent incidents of taxi violence in South Africa?

Recent incidents include the killing of five people in Cape Town two weeks ago, including a police officer, and a mass shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank in June 2025, where four people died.

7. How can the public assist in the Moyo murder investigation?

The SAPS has urged anyone with information to contact authorities or the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 to provide anonymous tips to aid the investigation.