NTA President Francis Masitsa Blames Government for Taxi Violence and High Crime at Slain Leader’s Funeral
South Africa’s taxi industry is reeling from yet another tragic loss, as leaders and loved ones gathered to mourn the death of Thamsanqa Moya, the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) chairperson for Gauteng. Moya was gunned down in a hail of bullets on the Soweto Highway last week, in what police believe was linked to ongoing taxi violence. At his funeral in Soweto, NTA president Francis Masitsa pointed fingers at the government, saying weak laws and a lack of will to tackle crime are fueling the bloodshed. His strong words come amid a wave of killings that have claimed close to 60 lives in Gauteng alone this year, leaving families shattered and communities on edge.
The service turned into a call for action, with speakers highlighting how violence is ripping apart the industry and the need for real change. As police hunt for Moya’s killers, questions swirl about why these attacks keep happening and what it will take to stop them. This tragedy shines a harsh light on deeper issues like repeat offenders and soft sentences, which Masitsa says are making things worse.
A Life Cut Short: Remembering Thamsanqa Moya
Thamsanqa Moya, known for his work in uniting taxi groups and pushing for economic freedom in the sector, was remembered as a beacon of hope at his funeral. The 45-year-old leader was ambushed while driving, with gunmen spraying his car with bullets in a brazen daylight attack. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, but no arrests have been made yet. The killing is seen as part of the deadly rivalries that plague the taxi world, often over routes and control.
Moya’s family is devastated, with his sister sharing how tragedy has struck them before – their father was also taken too soon. “The family of slain taxi official, Thamsanqa Moya, say they are still trying to come to terms with his untimely death,” loved ones said in tributes. He leaves behind a wife and children, who now face life without him amid the fear that grips many in the industry.
The taxi boss was laid to rest after a memorial at Diepkloof Communal Hall, where colleagues spoke of his passion for fairness and growth. “Taxi alliance mourns slain chairperson as a champion for unity and economic freedom,” one speaker noted. His death adds to a grim tally – over 60 people killed in Gauteng’s taxi-related violence since January 2025, from shootings to ambushes tied to business feuds.
Masitsa’s Fiery Speech: Government Failing to Protect Citizens
At the heart of the funeral was NTA president Francis Masitsa’s blunt attack on the government. He blamed lax laws for the rise in crime, saying killers and rapists get off too easy, walking free after short stints in jail. “It is unfortunate that we as citizens have surrendered our rights to the state to protect us. If a man commits murder or rape is sentenced to the so-called life. But effectively serves 7 years and comes out. Then the type of sentences being given is an incentive to encourage criminals. That’s the reason we have repeated offenders,” Masitsa said.
He tied this to the taxi killings, arguing that without strong political will, criminals run wild. Masitsa called out the system for letting repeat offenders back on the streets, which he says is why violence in the industry – and across the country – keeps spiraling. His speech echoed frustrations from many in the sector, who feel left to fend for themselves amid route wars and assassinations.
This isn’t just talk – stats back it up. Gauteng has seen a spike in taxi deaths, with close to 60 lives lost this year alone. Nationwide, the industry has long battled violence, often rooted in fights over profitable routes or leadership spots. Masitsa’s blame game puts pressure on officials to step up, from harsher sentences to better policing.
Calls for Action: MEC and Government Respond to the Crisis
The funeral wasn’t just about grief – it sparked fresh demands for change. Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, spoke at Moya’s memorial, urging police to crack down on taxi violence. “MEC calls for action against taxi violence at memorial for slain taxi boss,” she said, stressing the need to bring killers to book.
The provincial government has condemned the attack, with leaders like Premier Panyaza Lesufi vowing to fight crime. In response to the rising deaths, Transport Minister Kedibone Diale-Tlabela held a prayer session in Soweto, bringing together taxi groups to pray for peace and end the bloodshed. “In response to the escalating taxi violence in Gauteng Province, Transport Minister Kedibone Diale-Tlabela convened a prayer session in Soweto,” officials noted.
Nationally, the NTA and others have pushed for talks to curb the killings. But with no quick fixes, families like Moya’s are left hurting, and the industry fears more losses.
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