KZN MEC visits family of slain e-hailing driver Siyanda Mthokozisi

The KZN MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, pledged to seek help for the family of slain e-hailing driver Siyanda Mthokozisi. 

During a visit to the family home in Ulundi on Monday, the MEC said it was not within the jurisdiction of her department to assist the family financially with the cover of the funeral costs, but would seek out help. 

Shinga visited the family in the Nhlungwane area in northern KZN to convey her condolences. 

Mvelase, 27, was brutally killed last week. 

His family said they were unable to afford the repatriation of Mvelase's remains and his funeral costs. 

During her visit on Monday, the MEC said: 

“It is important to state that no one is working in this family. There’s no source of income whatsoever, so that’s the main reason why they are asking for support.”

“It is not within our jurisdiction as the Department of Social Development (to offer financial assistance), but as the MEC, we will mobilise some resources and some help, (so) that they are assisted with transportation of the body from that side (Gauteng) to bring back the body.

During her visit, MEC Shinga provided the family with food parcels.

“After hearing the horrific circumstances surrounding the untimely death of Siyanda Mvelase, we felt it was essential to come here and meet with the family in person, to offer our support and express our heartfelt condolences on behalf of the department," she said.

The family said they are in shock after the e-hailing company Uber said it had no record of him working as a driver on its platform.

In a statement, Uber said it was deeply saddened by the incident but confirmed the drivers involved were not registered on its platform.

“We are deeply saddened by what has happened – this incident is beyond tragic, and our thoughts are with all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”

“While the drivers affected have been confirmed not to be registered on the Uber platform, the safety of every driver and rider using any e-hailing service should always be a priority, and it is something we take very seriously at Uber.”

Uber said that, on the day of the incident, it dispatched its Public Safety Liaison team - composed of experienced former law enforcement professionals,  to work with authorities and provide investigative support. 

The company said it also reached out to law enforcement to offer its full assistance.

“We temporarily paused service in the affected area until we could be certain that both drivers and riders on the Uber platform could travel safely.” 

“We remain committed to working closely with industry stakeholders, authorities and the broader e-hailing community to help make the industry safer for all drivers and riders,” it added.

The The family is still awaiting DNA results before funeral arrangements can be made.

“We are still waiting for forensics to give us the results so we can start with the funeral arrangements. At the moment, we don’t have the exact date for the funeral service.”

Last week on Thursday, IOL News reported that Mvelase had only just begun work as an e-hailing driver two days before his death.

“He was the son of my eldest sister and an only child,” said Zanele Khuzwayo, the aunt of the deceased.

“He was born in 1998. After finishing matric, he moved to Johannesburg to look for work. I used to help him now and then, but he always tried to stand on his own. Eventually, he moved back home to KwaZulu-Natal.”

Mvelase had recently returned to Johannesburg to pursue better opportunities, according to his aunt.

“A few months ago, he told me, ‘Auntie, I’m coming back to Joburg, and I’m going to get an Uber car,’” she recalled.

“He was so excited. He finally got the car two weeks ago and started working this past Monday. Then boom, by Wednesday night – we got the news.”

Khuzwayo said the family was reeling from the tragedy.

“He wanted to make a living and take care of his mother, who is sickly. He had so many plans, and they were all cut short.”

Mvelase was killed on the evening of Wednesday, 13 August, when unknown gunmen attacked e-hailing drivers outside Maponya Mall.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said one vehicle was seen stopping at the entrance of the mall when four men approached and opened fire on the driver before setting the car alight.

“Another vehicle nearby was also shot at, but the driver managed to flee. That vehicle was also torched,” said Nevhuhulwi.

She said a passerby and the second driver sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital, adding that a case of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson has been opened for investigation.

Mvelase was his mother’s only child, and her world was shattered upon hearing the news. 

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News