Somerset West police continues to investigate the death of a local taxi driver whose body was discovered days after he went missing.
An inquest docket has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding the macabre find last Wednesday (18 June).
According to a police spokesperson, the body of a man identified as 36-year-old Luthando Zophela from Lwandle was found in dense vegetation in Sir Lowry’s Pass around 09:00 (“Police probe grim find along N2 highway,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 18 June).
The discovery was made by wood collectors approximately 100 m from the N2 highway.
Zophela’s body was found days after his family reported him missing, and his taxi was found abandoned in the same vicinity.
Lwandle police spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama confirmed he was last seen on Wednesday 11 June and reported missing at Lwandle Police Station on Friday 13 June.
“A missing person’s report was opened for investigation,” he said, noting that security footage obtained during the investigation revealed Zophela had accessed an ATM for a liquor purchase in Caledon.
A police spokesperson confirmed officers responded to reports of an abandoned white Toyota Quantum in Sir Lowry’s Pass around 10:00 on Saturday 14 June. “The taxi was found deserted and locked in the area.”
The spokesperson said after contacting relatives and obtaining a spare key, officers were able to unlock and search the vehicle.
During the search officers reportedly discovered half a loaf of bread and what appeared to be rat poison in the vehicle.
“A search operation, aided by Metro Police officers and their K-9 counterparts, continued until late afternoon before being called off when nothing was discovered.”
A few days later, on the morning of Wednesday 18 June, Zophela was found, by chance, near the intersection of Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, lying face down and without shoes.
The police spokesperson said that a preliminary examination revealed no visible wounds on the body.
A thorough forensic investigation is underway and police were awaiting comprehensive post-mortem results to determine the exact cause of death.
Loyiso Zophela (24), the deceased’s brother, described being called to the scene as deeply traumatic. “I didn’t expect it to happen, even though I knew it was a possibility considering how long he had been missing.”
Loyiso said his brother, who had always been a caring elder sibling to his four brothers and sisters, had worked as a taxi driver for about five years. He described him as “quiet and introverted, speaking only when necessary”.
The discovery of the body came after taxi tensions flared up in the Somerset West area about two weeks ago, when an ongoing route dispute among operators erupted into a disruptive blockade around the public transport interchange on Monday 9 June, leaving commuters stranded.
The situation prompted authorities to deploy police reinforcements and appoint a mediator to de-escalate the conflict following recent fatal shootings reported in Mfuleni and Lwandle (“Taxi dispute erupts in Somerset West,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 11 June).
The Mini-Bus Taxi Task Team convened a special meeting on Thursday 12 June to address the conflict between operators in Somerset West and Mfuleni to review the situation (“Taxi troubles: Task team seeks resolution after violent clashes over Somerset West route,” 13 June).
Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi acknowledged the loss of a Cata-affiliated operator and expressed profound condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
Although the exact circumstances surrounding the discovery remain under investigation, Sityebi noted that the tragedy unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing route disputes that have intensified tensions throughout the taxi industry and have heightened concerns among stakeholders.
“While we have initiated several discussions and proposed various solutions, we remain at a critical juncture in the negotiation process,” Sityebi said before the newspaper went on Tuesday morning.
“We are working diligently towards a resolution that will ensure the safety of all operators and commuters.”
Photo: Jamey Gordon
