Jabulile Mbatha14 August 2025 | 16:56

Uber driver killed in Soweto was a few days into the job before he died

Zanele Khuzwayo is the aunt of 27-year-old Mthokozisi Mvelase, who was on duty when he was attacked.

Uber driver killed in Soweto was a few days into the job before he died

Family members of an e-hailing driver who was shot & killed at Maponya Mall clean the area where he was killed on 14 August 2025. Picture: Jabulile Mbatha/EWN

JOHANNESBURG - The family of the deceased Uber driver who was shot and torched outside the Maponya Mall on Wednesday night revealed that he had worked for about three days as a driver before dying. 

Zanele Khuzwayo is the aunt of 27-year-old Mthokozisi Mvelase, who was on duty when he was attacked.

During the incident, a second car was shot at when the driver fled, before his car was torched. 

A passerby was also injured in the process.

The roads remained blocked around Maponya Mall, with more than 100 residents reinforcing their commitment to demonstrating.

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Some sang and chanted struggle songs while Gauteng  Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela engaged with industry officials inside the mall.

The residents closed off four lanes, saying they want justice.

Khuzwayo said her nephew relocated from KwaZulu-Natal when he started working as a driver.

I was just speaking to this person, he was so excited that he is going to make a living for himself, he is going to be able to provide…” 

A night vigil is expected to be held on Thursday night in honour of the deceased.