The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) is now engulfed in grief after the killing of one of its key figures, Mongi Titi. The 45-year-old, who additionally held the position of provincial leader for the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), was shot dead on Wednesday night in Nyanga.
Titi, who had been operating a white Toyota Fortuner, was tragically killed by unidentified attackers when they pulled up beside her vehicle near Terminus at Emms Drive. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi stated that investigators with the Provincial Taxi Violence Task Team have taken over the case to look into the details of this incident.
“Information at our disposal indicates that unknown gunmen approached a Toyota Fortuner parked in the vicinity of the Terminus, after which they opened fire on the occupant, a 45-year-old man, who sustained fatal injuries,” said Swartbooi. “The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The suspects fled in an undisclosed direction and are yet to be arrested.”
Swartbooi affirmed that the Nyanga police have filed a murder case and urged the community to help. "The reason behind this assault is currently under investigation," he stated.
The murder of Titi has reverberated throughout the taxi sector. According to CATAB spokesman Nkululeko Sityebi, this tragedy is an immense setback. "It is heartbreaking to share that Mr Titi was shot dead on Wednesday afternoon. The perpetrator and reason behind the assault remain unknown," stated Sityebi. He further urged those who saw what happened to inform local law enforcement about the case.
“We also plead with the South African Police Services to thoroughly investigate the murder so the perpetrators can be brought to book and convicted. It is so sad for the CATA region and the taxi industry that we lost one of our anchors.”
SANTACO Western Cape also verified Titi’s passing away, referring to him as an essential team member known for his significant efforts in bringing unity and professionalism to the sector.
“We convey our profound sorrow and astonishment as SANTACO in the Western Cape verifies the murder of Mr Mongi Titi,” stated provincial chairperson Mandla Hermanus.
Mr Titi was an dedicated leader who made considerable contributions to our continuous endeavors towards developing a more cohesive, secure, and proficient taxi industry within the province.
Hermanus appealed for tranquility, appealing to stakeholders against retaliating. "Responding to violence with further violence should be avoided. We implore all parties within the taxi sector to stay composed and permit established procedures to proceed as intended. At this critical juncture, cohesion, steadiness, and self-control are essential."
The group mentioned they will keep communicating with officials to guarantee the issue is addressed with the importance it requires.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, extended his condolences to Titi’s family, colleagues, and the broader taxi industry. He urged community members to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, stressing that public assistance is crucial to breaking the cycle of violence.
"Community collaboration is essential for constructing a strong case, achieving convictions, and putting an end to this intolerable continuous cycle of violence," stated Sileku.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) and the African National Congress (ANC) also condemned the killing. Benson Ngqentsu, who serves as the SACP’s provincial secretary and acts as an ANC spokesperson for mobility issues, characterized Titi as a principled and perceptive leader.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal and senseless assassination of Mr Titi,” said Ngqentsu.
“The sudden and brutal death is a profound sorrow for the Titi family as well as for the whole minibus taxi sector and the people they serve every day.”
As authorities continue their investigation, the taxi industry waits anxiously for answers. Meanwhile, leaders and communities across the Western Cape are left to mourn the loss of a man many considered a cornerstone of progress in the sector.
Anyone with information is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application to report anonymously.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za