JOHANNESBURG - The family of Mthokozisi Mvelase, a Soweto e-hailing driver who was gunned down this week, says his death could have been avoided if authorities hadn’t ignored rising tensions in the community.
The 27-year-old was gunned down and his car was set on fire outside Maponya Mall.
The attack is believed to be part of the ongoing conflict between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.
READ: Business as usual as Maponya Mall reopens after deadly attack on e-hailing driver
As residents took to the streets to demand justice, Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela called for calm.
On Monday, Mthokozisi Siyanda Mvelase began a new week by setting himself up as an e-hailing driver.
Three days later, his family in KwaZulu-Natal is preparing to bury him.
At just 27, Mvelase never got to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer.
E-hailing driver associations have condemned the killing, saying it’s not an isolated case.
As the family mourns, drivers say only strong, decisive leadership can prevent further bloodshed.