The shooting and killing of the prominent leader of the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) has sent shock waves across the taxi industry and in government.
The lifeless body of Mzoxolo Cecil Dibela, former deputy chair of the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Western Cape, was found with bullet wounds to his head near Monwabisi Beach on Monday afternoon 17 January.
The City of Cape Town described his killing as the “assassination”, while Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Daylin Mitchell, said they were “saddened”.
Andile Khanyi, Codeta’s spokesperson, said they were “disturbed” with the news as Dibela was one of the leaders that sought change in the taxi industry.
Khanyi was quick though, to brush off any thought about another taxi violence flaring up. He also dismissed possible link between his killing and the taxi industry.
“We received the news on Monday afternoon that Dibela had been shot near Monwabisi. When we arrived on the scene his body had been already removed. As the association we are deeply disturbed by this incident.”
“We want to say we distance ourselves from any talk that this incident is taxi-related. We know such incidents may cause panic to the public, but we want to assure them this will not have any negative effects on the operations of our industry.”
Mayco Member for Transport Rob Quintas said this was most “distressing and devastating news”.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the minibus-taxi industry,” he said. “I also want to condemn this brutality in the strongest possible terms as this alleged hit may lead to renewed conflict between the minibus-taxi associations that operate across Cape Town.
“We are extremely concerned about the danger and disruption this may pose to commuters, operators, and all of those involved in the industry.
“I am pleading with all parties to remain calm, and to work together for the benefit of our commuters and those employed by the industry.”
Quintas said he will be calling for a meeting involving Codeta, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mitchell to see how they can assist.
He said the hit on Dibela would have a devastating for the resumption of the MyCiTi N2 Express service between Mitchell’s Plain, Khayelitsha and the Cape Town CBD.
Quintas said the operating contract with the N2 Company was to be signed this week.
“Due to this tragic event, we are now faced with huge uncertainty about the signing of this operating contract and the future of the N2 Express service. I am urging the South African Police Service to act swiftly and to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing.”
Quintas pleaded with anyone with information to contact the police
Mitchell said since his appointment as provincial minister he has worked very closely with Dibela in dealing with challenges facing the taxi industry.
“Mr Dibela formed part of the leadership delegations that I have been engaging in my efforts to end the taxi violence between Cata (Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association) and Codeta,” he said. “He was a firm leader who showed dedication to change the image of the minibus taxi industry,” he said.
Mitchell extended his sincere condolences to Dibela’s family, to the members of Codeta and to the colleagues in the broader taxi industry.
He called on the SAPS and enforcement authorities to work around the clock to find Dibela’s killers and bring them to book as soon as possible along with the perpetrators of other taxi related crimes.
WO Joseph Swartbooi said Harare police attended a crime scene at Monwabisi Beach on Monday 17 January at about 15:00.
“Upon arrival, they found the body of an unknown man next to the road who sustained gunshot wounds to his head. The victim were declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel,” he said.
Swartbooi said the unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.
Harare police is investigating a murder.
Anyone with information are urged to call Crime stop on 08600 10111.