Praise for murdered taxi boss
2009-09-05 22:30
Johannesburg - The Congress of South African Trade Unions on Saturday condemned the murder of Mthuthuzeli Molefe, first deputy president of the South African National Taxi Council.
"There must be no tolerance for anyone who uses violence to try to sabotage the process of providing the best possible form of safe, quick and reliable public transport for the people of South Africa," Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven said in a statement.
The trade union described Molefe as "a man of the people" and applauded his contribution in resolving disputes relating to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
"He clearly understood very well the problems of his industry and his presence will be sorely missed in the coming weeks of difficult negotiations."
Molefe was among a delegation which met with Cosatu on August 31 to discuss ways to resolve the disputes surrounding the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit system.
Meanwhile the SA National Civic Organisation appealed to members of taxi associations and other citizens to let police do their work in investigating Molefe's death.
"We understand the pain that people are feeling. People should allow police to do their job," said spokesperson Dumisane Mthalane.
The 57-year-old Molefe was gunned down near his home in Evaton, south of Johannesburg on Friday night while riding his motorbike.
Police spokesperson Inspector Mzimkhulu Mthimkhulu said they found six cartridges of a 9mm gun scattered around the scene.
"No arrests have been made. It is understood that the gunmen fled the scene with a silver-grey car," said Mthimkhulu.
It was not clear whether Molefe's killing was linked to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system launched six days ago or to his involvement in the Evaton Urban Renewal Project of which he was chairperson.
- SAPA
