Police have launched an urgent investigation following the murder of Mongi Titi, a key figure in Cape Town’s taxi industry.
Manhunt launched for suspects in Mongi Titi murder
Titi, who was an executive of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA), was shot and killed at the Nyanga taxi rank on Wednesday.
According to police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi, unknown gunmen approached a Toyota Fortuner near the taxi terminus and opened fire on the 45-year-old, fatally wounding him.
He was declared dead at the scene. The suspects escaped and have not yet been identified or arrested.
Titi was known for his role in trying to create a safer and more united taxi industry in the Western Cape. His death has shocked the community and the wider transport sector.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said the murder had left a deep impact on the Nyanga community. He urged those in the taxi industry to stay calm and avoid any retaliation.
“This is a painful moment, but we must act responsibly and allow justice to take its course,” he said.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) confirmed Titi’s death and expressed sadness at losing a leader so committed to reform and professionalism in the industry.
SANTACO has promised to work closely with authorities to ensure the case is taken seriously and receives the necessary urgency.
They have also appealed to anyone with information about the shooting to contact police and assist with the investigation.
“This is not the time for revenge or further violence,” the council said.
Nyanga taxi rank a hotbed of violent shooting
Titi’s murder is the latest in a series of violent incidents at Nyanga taxi rank. Just two months ago, on a Sunday night in February, three taxis were destroyed in a suspected petrol bomb attack. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, further raising alarm about ongoing tensions between rival taxi associations.
The attack was believed to involve members from CATA and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA), two of the most influential and often competing groups in the province.
Earlier this year, another shooting at the same location left one taxi security guard dead and seven others injured. These incidents point to a disturbing trend of recurring violence tied to the taxi industry in the region.
Despite calls for peace, authorities fear further clashes could erupt in the wake of Titi’s assassination. Community leaders and government officials are urging all parties involved to avoid escalating the situation and to work through official channels to resolve disputes.
Detectives from the Provincial Taxi Violence Unit are leading the investigation.
