KwaZulu-Natal Government Commits to Assisting with Funeral of Slain E-Hailing Driver Mthokozisi Mvelase
KwaZulu-Natal government commits to assisting with funeral of slain e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Mvelase. The current date is August 19, 2025. The KwaZulu-Natal government has committed to helping with the funeral arrangements of an e-hailing driver who was killed at Maponya Mall in Soweto. Mthokozisi Mvelase was shot and set on fire inside his car last week while on duty. It’s understood that he recently joined the e-hailing business after relocating to Johannesburg from KZN.
Heartbreaking Loss of Young Driver Sparks Community Outpouring
The tragic death of 27-year-old Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase has left his family and community in deep shock and grief. Mvelase was gunned down and his car set alight outside Maponya Mall in Soweto on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, just days after he started working as an e-hailing driver. He had moved from his home in Nhlungwane, outside Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal, to Johannesburg in search of better opportunities to support his family.
According to family members, Mvelase was a peaceful and respectful young man who was the only son in his household. His aunt, Zanele Khuzwayo, described him as someone who was always willing to help others and had big dreams for his future. The attack, believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between e-hailing drivers and taxi operators, has raised serious safety concerns for those in the ride-hailing industry.
Mvelase’s body was burned beyond recognition, requiring DNA testing for identification, which has delayed funeral preparations. His mother, overwhelmed by the loss, has been hospitalised due to the emotional trauma. “What could’ve my sister’s child done to deserve being shot and burned?” Khuzwayo asked in an interview, highlighting the family’s pain and confusion.
Government Steps In to Support Grieving Family
On Monday, 18 August 2025, officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development visited the family to offer condolences and practical support. MEC Mbali Shinga led the delegation, expressing the province’s sorrow over the senseless killing. “Mthokozisi is known as a young man of peace and was respectful in the community, so they are just wondering what caused this whole thing,” Shinga said.
The MEC assured the family that her department would reach out to partners, including other government entities and possibly Maponya Mall management, to assist with funeral arrangements. This commitment comes as the family appealed for help to give Mvelase a dignified burial, facing financial strains amid the tragedy. Shinga emphasised the need for unity in combating violence against workers in the transport sector.
Uber Denies Affiliation, Complicating Family’s Claims
Adding to the family’s distress, Uber has denied that Mvelase was registered on their platform, stating he did not work for them. This revelation has left relatives puzzled and without potential support from the company, such as insurance or compensation. “We are confident this won’t happen again,” said Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela in response to the incident, promising increased safety measures for e-hailing drivers.
Maponya Mall management has clarified that all public transport providers, including e-hailing services, are allowed to operate at the centre. They condemned the attack and pledged to work with authorities to prevent future violence. The Gauteng National Taxi Alliance has distanced itself from the incident, denying any involvement by its members.
Survivor and Witnesses Recount Horror of the Attack
The attack also injured other e-hailing drivers, with survivor Baratile Sekwala escaping after his vehicle was torched. A family member described Sekwala as “not okay,” still traumatised by the event. Witnesses reported four men approaching Mvelase’s car at the mall entrance, opening fire, and setting it ablaze. Another driver was attacked but managed to flee.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of conflicts between taxi operators and e-hailing services in Gauteng, often over turf and passengers. Police have opened cases of murder, attempted murder, and arson, but no arrests have been made yet.
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