Zukule Magadla (51) died allegedly after he was knocked down by a taxi on his way to look for work as a standby at Golden Arrow Bus Company, in Philippi.

Nondumiso Paul, a spokesperson for Philippi East police station said a Magadla’s body was found lying on the pavement. He had blood on the face and the knife next to him.

A witness said the deceased was chasing him with a knife and he was knocked down by a minibus taxi that was driving in the direction of Philippi.

The family and neighbours of Magadla do not buy the reports that the deceased was chasing someone with a knife as they believe he was a good and caring person who was liked by everyone.

The family became angry after reading about his alleged robbery story in a daily newspaper last Tuesday.

Sindiswa Mzizi, Magadla’s cousin said: “What was reported is all lies.

“He was a good person liked by everyone. He did not want to see people suffering.

“He was a good person who was supporting his family and extended family. We are so angry about the reports that say he died after trying to rob someone.

“He did have a knife to protect himself as he had to walk when it is still dark. We do not understand why his wallet is missing if he is the one who was robbing.”

Mzizi said Magadla was off the day he died, but he decided to go to look for overtime at work as he was a kind of person who did not want to sit at home doing nothing.

Magadla’s son died last year in the Eastern Cape after he was run over by a tractor which he was driving and the family is still confused how that happened.

Magadla started driving buses many years ago in the Eastern Cape, then he decided to move to Cape Town after the bus he was driving gave problems every time.

Mzizi said Magadla, who was still working as a trainee at Goldern Arrow met his death when he was about to sign for a permanent position in the company.

Vuyisile Mdoda, a spokesperson for Golden Arrow said: “It is normal for our drivers to come to work even if they are off. We are shocked and sad about his death.

“There have been a lot of views aired about the incident. I cannot confirm that he was going to sign for a permanent position.”

Mzwakhe Nyawuka, a neighbour said: “I was shocked to hear that he was robbing. I know him since 1998. He never even fought anyone.

“I am confused, because he was a good person to other people. When he was drunk he would share some jokes with other people.”

Magadla who was a bread winner of his family died in his full Goldern Arrow uniform.

A case of capable homicide is being investigated and no arrests have been made yet.

He left his wife and four children. He will be buried, at Ngcobo, in the Eastern Cape, on Saturday.