Six months have passed since the brutal murder of e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Siyanda Mvelase, who was shot and burned at Maponya Mall in Soweto. The family of the 27-year-old victim claims that the police have yet to provide any updates on the investigation, sparking fears that the case may be forgotten.
The incident occurred on the evening of August 13, 2025, when Mvelase, who had only started working as an e-hailing driver two days prior, was gunned down by four men at the entrance of the mall. The attackers also set his vehicle alight, and another nearby car was targeted, with its driver managing to escape but sustaining injuries.
Investigation Ongoing, But Family Seeks Answers
According to the Gauteng police, the investigation is still ongoing, but Mvelase’s aunt, Zanele Khuzwayo, says that the family has not received any communication from the authorities about the progress of the case. “We have never heard anything from the police since that incident, nothing at all. No one has come to tell us what’s happening or how far the investigation is,” Khuzwayo said.
Khuzwayo added that a relative had tried to contact the police in November 2025 for an update but was told that the matter was still under investigation. “My cousin tried calling the police last year in November to find out how far the investigation had gone and whether there was progress, but they told him they were still busy with investigations,” she said.
Impact on the Family
The murder has taken a significant toll on Mvelase’s family, particularly his mother, who was recently admitted to hospital due to the emotional strain of losing her only child. “She hardly sleeps since Mthokozisi died. She goes to bed around 2am, listening to music or the radio, and wakes up very early before everyone else,” Khuzwayo said.
As reported by the South African Police Service, the incident is believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers. The family is seeking justice for Mvelase and hopes that the police will provide updates on the investigation soon.
Here are some key facts about the case:
- Mthokozisi Siyanda Mvelase was 27 years old when he was murdered.
- He was shot and burned at Maponya Mall in Soweto on August 13, 2025.
- The incident is believed to be linked to tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.
- The police have opened a case of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson.
