Killing of Paarl Alliance Taxi Association chairperson condemned

Media release by Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister of Mobility

Yesterday evening, we received confirmation from the South African Police Service (SAPS) that the Chairperson of Paarl Alliance Taxi Association (PATA), Mr Siyabulela Wilberforce Mandyoli, was shot and killed at his house in Mbekweni. PATA is affiliated to the CODETA Region of the South African National Taxi Council.

I have sent my sincere condolences to Mr Mandyoli’s family and the members of the association.

We are deeply saddened by this ruthless crime, and strongly condemn any form of violence within the public transport industry. Our Western Cape Mobility Department is supporting the investigation by the SAPS, with senior officials participating in an urgent briefing on the matter this morning. They will also meet with the industry leadership over the next couple of days to assess the situation and establish the relevant facts.

This incident is a blow to transport operations in the area and I am extremely concerned about the impact on commuters. People need to get to work safely; children need to get to school safely. This is my number one priority and I urge all role players to prioritise the safety of commuters with strong leadership and respect for each other and the rule of law.

Minibus taxi services continue to operate today, with increased security presence by authorities in Mbekweni, surrounding areas and at the Bellville public transport interchange.

Mr. Mandyoli played an important role in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between PATA and the CATA Boland Taxi Association that resulted in the reopening of route B97 (Mbekweni (Paarl) – Bellville). The signing of the MOA ended years of conflict between the two associations for control of route B97. Both parties agreed to co-exist and to jointly provide services on this route.

We have asked SAPS to prioritise this case. There is no place for criminality in the public transport environment and we have a duty as government and the industry to ensure safe and dignified mobility options for commuters.

Any person with information about this incident must contact SAPS to aid the investigation and help ensure successful prosecution.

Media Enquiries:  Rebecca Campbell Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie Cell: 076 783 2583 Email: Rebecca.Campbell@westerncape.gov.za