South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) boss Abner Tsebe has expressed sorrow and pledged support to the family of Siyanda Mvelase, who was brutally murdered last week.
Mvelase, a young breadwinner for his family, was shot and set alight in his e-hailing vehicle during his very first week as an operator.
Tsebe condemned the attack, saying Mvelase still had his whole life ahead of him. He sent condolences to the family, stressing that their trust in him as a provider had been destroyed by violence.
Stands with family in grief
“We stand with you in your grief, and we also extend support to the injured and every community member who was traumatised by what they witnessed. And we also want to confirm that we have seen the family asking for support. As Santaco, we are ready to take care of the body in partnership with Cebolethu Funeral Parlour.
“I have sent my team to talk to the family if they would give us that right to take the body from Gauteng to KZN and also to bury the body. All sponsors can take care of other stuff like your catering and other stuff,” said Tsebe.
He also acknowledged that another driver sustained injuries, as they were also attacked and their car also burnt.
Tsebe said they have also spoken to some Soweto ministries for divine intervention in this matter. He said it was confirmed that they would host a prayer session where the incident occurred. But they still had to consult the mall’s management to ensure the session takes place in September.
Zero tolerance for violence
Santaco is also planning to visit those who sustained injuries from the attacks.
“Santaco has a zero-tolerance policy for violence. Any operator, driver or member of our associations found to have been involved in this attack or any similar act of violence will be immediately expelled from our ranks.
“This is not just for control. It is a promise that we are saying to our members: enough is enough. We cannot continue like this,” said Tsebe.
He said associations and leadership should take responsibility for actions that are happening in their spaces.
