A 34-year-old long-distance taxi operator, Mawande Ndinisa, was shot dead inside his silver Toyota Hilux in Bloekombos, Kraaifontein, on Monday, November 2, at around 10 pm. The incident occurred in Mongondia Street, and police reported that unknown gunmen opened fire, killing Ndinisa and wounding another 41-year-old man, who is also a taxi owner. The motive and circumstances surrounding the attack are under investigation.
Ndinisa was the owner of Ndinisa Trans, a long-distance taxi business operating routes to Maclear, Mount Fletcher, Tsolo, Matatiele, and Katkop in the Eastern Cape. His business operated beyond Kraaifontein, serving routes between the Western Cape and towns in the Eastern Cape. The second victim, a 41-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment. Western Cape police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana confirmed that Kraaifontein police had opened a murder case following the shooting.
A neighbour who heard the gunfire reported that the attackers fled in a vehicle shortly after the shooting. The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that they went outside after hearing the shots and found two men with gunshot wounds. The neighbour also raised concerns about the emergency response, claiming that the ambulance arrived about three hours after the shooting and police arrived approximately 25 minutes later.
The shooting comes amid previous attacks on taxi operators in the Western Cape, including the killing of two taxi owners in Bloekombos in 2022. Cape Town has also experienced a series of attacks on taxi operators, including the killing of two taxi owners in Epping in October 2026. Police have not established a motive for Ndinisa's killing, and the circumstances surrounding the Bloekombos shooting remain under investigation.
Ndinisa's family expressed shock over his killing and stated that they were waiting for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to investigate. The family said they were still trying to understand what had happened. The incident has raised fresh concerns over violence targeting people in the taxi industry.
The killing of Ndinisa has sparked concerns about the safety of taxi operators in the Western Cape. The taxi industry has been plagued by violence in recent years, with many operators being targeted in attacks. The incident has highlighted the need for increased security measures to protect taxi operators and their businesses.
The police investigation into Ndinisa's killing is ongoing, with no arrests made at the time of the police statement. The SAPS has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by taxi operators in the Western Cape and the need for increased efforts to address taxi violence.
Key points
- The killing of Mawande Ndinisa has raised concerns over violence targeting people in the taxi industry in the Western Cape.
- The incident has highlighted the need for increased security measures to protect taxi operators and their businesses.
- The police investigation into Ndinisa's killing is ongoing, with no arrests made at the time of the police statement.
