SANTACO confirms the national chairperson was killed during a police operation

MTHATHA - The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has confirmed the death of its national chairperson, Zola Yolelo, who was among six men shot and killed during a police operation on the R61 between Mthatha and Ngcobo.

Police say the shootout occurred during an intelligence-driven sting on Monday, targeting a group suspected of extortion.

Police opened fire after the suspects reportedly got out of their vehicle and began shooting.

Yolelo had been a prominent figure in the taxi industry, rising through the ranks from being a car washer and conductor, to national chairperson of SANTACO.

He held various positions in the Eastern Cape before taking over the national role in 2022.

Police have yet to confirm the identities of all six men killed, but SANTACO says it received official notification last night that Yolelo had died in the incident.

His death comes just weeks after one of his vehicles, a 22-seater minibus, was swept away by floodwaters in the province.

It was carrying 13 schoolchildren, a driver and a passenger.

Five people were rescued, but the Eastern Cape government has not yet confirmed how many of the other passengers died, as recovery and verification efforts continue.

SANTACO Spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Phala said, "There will not be any further media interviews as the matter of Mr Yolelo’s passing is a part of police investigations which are still ongoing.”

Phala says Yolelo will be remembered for his principled leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming the industry.