Taxi Driver Shot Dead By Hitchhiker In Cold-Blooded Attack In Marite

A 23-year-old taxi driver was shot and killed by a passenger in what police are describing as a cold-blooded attack on Thursday evening, 30 October 2025, along the Marite main road in Calcutta, Mpumalanga.

Police arrived at the scene at around 18:30, where they discovered a white Quantum minibus taxi with the driver slumped in the seat, showing no signs of life. The victim, later identified as Mzakhe Mgiba, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and officers recovered five 9mm cartridges inside the vehicle.

Hitchhiker Opens Fire On Taxi Driver

According to a surviving passenger, the taxi had just departed from a filling station in Marite and was heading toward Alexandria when a man standing by the roadside signalled for a lift. The driver stopped to pick him up. Moments later—just before reaching the first speed hump—the hitchhiker opened fire on the driver without warning.

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The taxi veered out of control and came to a halt as the shooter fled on foot. The witness, who sustained a gunshot wound to the right arm, managed to escape and was later taken to hospital for treatment.

Bystanders who arrived shortly after the shooting turned off the taxi’s engine while awaiting emergency services.

Police Appeal for Information

The motive for the killing remains unclear. Police are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact Lieutenant Colonel Skhumbuzo Cveko on 082 922 9902, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

All information will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous.

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