KZN Taxi Violence Suspect From Umlazi Arrested For Montclair Murder

Detectives from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Taxi Violence Unit have arrested a 32-year-old man believed to be behind a brutal taxi-related killing in Montclair.

The suspect, Qaphelani Nyawose, was apprehended during a police operation in Umlazi on August 28, 2025. He faces murder charges following the July 17, 2025, assassination of Mohammed Abdul Hammid.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fatal Shooting In Thembalethu Leaves A 53-Year-Old Man Dead, Another Injured

According to police, Hammid was lured to a Montclair fast-food outlet under the pretence of receiving a work permit from a local taxi association. While his wife went inside, he remained in his blue BMW.

“A white Ford Ranger with four occupants arrived, and the occupants opened fire at Mr Hammid without saying a word. He was declared dead at the scene, and his licensed firearm was found in his possession,” said SAPS in a statement.

Dramatic High-Speed Chase and Weapons Recovered

After the shooting, Metro Police officers spotted the white Ford Ranger speeding recklessly along South Coast Road. A high-speed chase unfolded, ending when the suspects abandoned the vehicle. Some fled on foot, while others escaped in a red Toyota Etios.

Inside the abandoned Ford Ranger, police recovered an R5 rifle with two magazines and an additional handgun magazine. Forensic evidence collected from the vehicle later identified two suspects from Umlazi’s Section A.

Court Appearance and Ongoing Manhunt

During the police operation earlier this week, Nyawose was arrested at his Umlazi home. Another man, found in a stolen vehicle in Bayview, was also detained and now faces separate charges of possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.

Nyawose made a brief appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on August 29, 2025. He was remanded in custody and is expected back in court on September 5, 2025, for a bail hearing.

Meanwhile, a manhunt is still underway for the three remaining suspects believed to be involved in Hammid’s brutal murder.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky