CAPE TOWN - Delft police are investigating the murder of a Bellville-based taxi boss who was shot and killed in front of his house.
Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association, Bellville Taxi Association (CataBellta) chairperson Mandithini Ketye, 41, was shot while sitting inside his car at his Delft South home just before midnight on Monday by unknown suspects.
He had been talking to someone on the phone.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said a murder case was opened for investigation.
“The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident in Kamassie Street, Delft South, where a 41-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded is under investigation. According to reports Delft police were called to the crime scene where they found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the body. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by paramedics,” said Twigg.
The Cata secretary-general Mandla Hermanus condemned the shooting of Ketye and urged law enforcement officers to swiftly arrest the suspects.
“Mr Ketye was the chairman of Cata Bellville Taxi Association, as the region is concerned about the continued killing of our leaders and operators. We rely on the law enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest the culprits. We are always engaged with our associations to find mechanisms to deal with conflict and to ensure our passengers are not affected,” said Hermanus.
A neighbour described Ketye as a loving and caring man.
“I was just coming from work and just as I was about to open the gate I saw about three guys, but nothing came to my mind that these people might do such a thing. I did not pay attention to them. Just after closing the gate, a friend of mine called me.
“Within a minute of answering a call I heard gunshots and out of shock I quickly ran to my room and when I came back a few seconds after to check, the guys were walking and turning the corner of the road as if nothing happened.”
Anyone with information can anonymously contact Crime Stop at 086 0010 111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.
Cape Times