Mofolo residents traumatised after deadly taxi-related shooting claims 3 lives

Mofolo residents traumatised after deadly taxi-related shooting claims 3 lives! The usually vibrant streets of Mofolo, Soweto, were plunged into shock and grief on Monday morning when three men associated with the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) were gunned down in what is believed to be yet another chapter in the ongoing taxi violence plaguing the region.

The victims, identified as members of a WATA patrol unit, were ambushed and shot dead while driving along Zulu Street, a busy thoroughfare frequented by commuters and local residents for both public transport and exercise.

Fear Grips the Community

For residents, the sound of gunfire shattered the start of the week and replaced it with an overwhelming sense of fear and uncertainty. Witnesses say the shooting occurred in broad daylight, turning a public space into a crime scene littered with bullet casings and shattered glass.

One woman, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, said she had just returned home from a morning walk when the gunshots rang out.

Deadly taxi-related shooting

“That’s what scared me the most—it almost happened while I was still outside. I keep asking myself what could’ve happened if I was still on the street. We live in fear now because this is a main road.”

She added that what used to be a simple trip to the mall or to catch a taxi now fills her with dread, given the unpredictability of such violent incidents.

A Community on Edge

The violence unfolded on Zulu Street, a well-known arterial road that connects Mofolo and nearby Dube. It’s typically lined with joggers, students, vendors, and commuters—a melting pot of daily life that has now been overshadowed by tragedy.

As forensic investigators worked through the morning, meticulously marking bullet casings and collecting evidence, residents from surrounding neighbourhoods gathered—many in disbelief, some silently mourning, and others nervously discussing the implications of yet another act of taxi-related violence.

The Toyota Corolla, riddled with bullets, remained at the scene for hours, the bodies of the deceased still inside as authorities processed the crime scene. The vehicle, typically used for patrolling by WATA members, has now become a symbol of the deadly turf wars gripping the area.

The Deadly Toll of Taxi Violence

This is not the first time the Soweto taxi industry has been rocked by bloodshed. For years, taxi associations have clashed over routes, ranks, and regional dominance, resulting in dozens of deaths. Despite efforts by law enforcement and government to mediate long-standing disputes, the violence appears to persist with impunity.

Residents in Mofolo and nearby communities are now demanding greater police visibility and intervention, fearing that the next shooting could claim innocent lives. Several parents interviewed expressed concern for their children’s safety, particularly those who walk or take taxis to school.

No Arrests Yet

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no arrests have been made so far. Police have confirmed that the victims were attacked by occupants of a silver-grey vehicle, which fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

SAPS spokesperson Tintswalo Sibeko stated that investigations are ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“We are calling on members of the public to assist us with any information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.”

Trauma Runs Deep

While the forensic team eventually removed the bodies and cleared the scene, the psychological impact of the shooting lingers. For many in Mofolo, it serves as a haunting reminder of the growing insecurity linked to the taxi industry.

Residents say they are tired of living in fear and want real, lasting solutions—not just temporary interventions.

“This can’t be normal,” one young man said, shaking his head as he watched the cleanup. “We’re just trying to live, and now we don’t even feel safe walking to the corner store.”

As the sun set over Soweto, a sombre silence fell over Zulu Street—one that carried the weight of three lives lost and a community desperately searching for peace.