Taxi wars cripple business

MOKOPANE – Samuel Matjila (55), owner of a fleet of taxi’s and chairperson of the Mahwelereng Taxi Amalgamated, has been arrested along with his two co-accused, Patric Sekhu (55) and Desmond Mashabane (48) for the murder of Charles Mgidi at the Caltex Garage on the corner of Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela drivers last Saturday morning.
The Mokopane magistrate's court on Tuesday was packed with angry protesters following the second killing of what is suspected to be taxi-related violence. The first was the death of Gideon Fatana, a taxi entrepreneur, who was gunned down in front of his home two weeks ago.
According to Mokopane police spokesperson, constable Irene Masingi, Mgidi and the accused were all armed when they allegedly had an argument at the garage on Saturday. Mgidi was shot and later died at Mokopane Hospital. He was the owner of a driving school and reportedly part of the Mogalakwena Residents Association (MRA) leadership.
At the time of going to print, the three suspects were expected to appear in court for a second time to apply for bail.
Reuben Thaba, provincial chairperson for Federated Local and Long Distance Taxi Association (FELLDTA), strongly condemned the killings that is believed to be aimed at intimidation within the taxi industry in Mokopane.
At Fatana’s memorial service last Thursday, Mgidi as well as other taxi operators, accused Matjila publicly of having a hand in Fatana’s murder. However, the SAPS says that there is no evidence to support to these allegations at this stage.
“The assassins must rot in jail. Mogalakwena has become a blood bath because our people are fighting for their rights,” Malose Mabuela, former mayor of Mogalakwena, said while addressing protesters outside the court on Tuesday. Mabuela is recognised by the MRA as the rightful Mayor despite having been ousted by the ANC.
In the meantime, taxi services have been brought to a standstill and unrest rules in town.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mgidi’s family for the great loss,” the MRA stated.