A taxi boss from Strandfontein has died after he was shot and killed during a suspected hit in Masiphumelele on Tuesday morning.
The shocked family of Lungile Jezile, 50, say they have been left with many questions after the father of three was ruthlessly gunned down in the street in full view of commuters at the old Masiphumelele taxi rank shortly before 8am.
A 44-year-old relative, who asked not to be named, says when they arrived at the murder scene, they were told that two gunmen had walked up to the taxi boss known as Oom Jezi and fired several shots at him, hitting him six times in the chest.
The gunmen also stole his legal firearm before fleeing the scene.
“When we got there, he had already died,” the teary-eyed relative said.
TERROR: Two gunmen walked up to Oom Jezi and pumped six bullets into his chest
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana says the gunmen are still at large.
“Ocean View Police are investigating a murder case following a shooting incident at about 8am in Pokela Road.
“According to reports, a 50-year-old man was shot multiple times in his body and he died due to his injuries.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation, police detectives are following up on leads in order to bring those responsible to book.”
The hartseer relative says trouble has been brewing in Masiphumelele for several weeks among taxi drivers and at the time of his death, Oom Jezi’s taxis were not operating.
“He had nine vans and had permits for routes from Masi to Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town and Scarborough,” she explains.
“There was some meeting on 4 May, but he was in hospital at the time for a heart condition and didn’t attend.
“He was later informed that his taxis could not ride and he was confused because he has permits and has been working those routes for more than 25 years.”
When the Daily Voice visited his home yesterday, shocked taxi drivers and residents had come to sympathise with Oom Jezi’s grieving wife and three sons.
TROUBLE BREWING: Lungile was killed at the old Masiphumlele rank
His family described him as a supportive husband and devoted dad who worked hard to create a better life for his family.
“He worked hard for his children every day and he was a supportive husband to his wife of 23 years. He has three sons, aged 23, 17 and 11, and they are not coping.
“We are preparing to bury him in the Eastern Cape,” adds the relative.
VICTIM: Boss Lungile Jezile, 50
monique.duval@inl.co.za