A sombre atmosphere filled the streets of Soweto on Friday as family, friends, and fellow drivers gathered at Maponya Mall to bid a final farewell to 27-year-old e-hailing driver, Mthokozisi Mvelase, whose life was brutally cut short in a shocking act of violence.
The convoy, led by a funeral parlour vehicle, departed from the mall carrying Mvelase’s body to his hometown in the Hlungwane area of Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, where he will be laid to rest on Saturday, 6 September.
A Life Taken Too Soon
Mvelase’s tragic death has shaken both his community and the wider public. On 13 August, he was viciously attacked, shot, and set alight inside his vehicle at the very same Maponya Mall where his send-off was held. Horrific images and videos of the burning vehicle quickly circulated on social media, leaving many South Africans horrified and outraged.
Friends described him as a hardworking young man who was passionate about providing for his family through his work as an e-hailing driver. His untimely passing has now left a painful void in the hearts of his loved ones and sparked renewed calls for improved safety measures for e-hailing drivers, who are often vulnerable to violent attacks.
Family Fetches His Spirit
Before the convoy departed for KwaZulu-Natal, Mvelase’s family carried out a symbolic ritual to fetch his spirit from the site of the incident. This traditional practice is a deeply respected custom meant to guide the soul of the deceased back home for proper burial rites.
For his grieving family, the ritual was not only a cultural necessity but also an emotional step toward healing, as they prepare to lay him to rest in the presence of his ancestors.
Community in Mourning
Dozens of vehicles, including those belonging to fellow e-hailing drivers, joined the convoy, creating a striking visual of solidarity and support. Many carried flowers and placards with messages calling for justice for Mthokozisi, demanding that his killers be swiftly apprehended and brought before the law.
Members of the community who lined the streets spoke of their sorrow and anger over the rising cases of violent crimes targeting young people. For many, Mvelase’s death is a chilling reminder of the daily risks faced by those working in the transport and gig economy sectors.
A Call for Justice
While his family prepares for his final resting place, public calls for justice continue to grow louder. Activists, transport organisations, and ordinary South Africans are urging law enforcement authorities to act decisively, not only in this case but also in addressing broader issues of crime and violence in townships and city centres.
Final Journey
As the convoy left Soweto for the long road to Ulundi, emotions ran high. Tears flowed freely, yet there was also a sense of unity as mourners honoured Mvelase’s memory. For his family, Saturday’s burial will mark the final chapter in a painful journey, but for many others, his tragic story will remain a rallying point in the fight against violence and injustice.
