By REGINALD KANYANE
7 October 2025- Two members of the Mamelodi Taxi Association, Masipa Victor Maepa (38) and Job Matsobane Magongwa (43), who were arrested for five counts of murder, five counts of kidnapping and five counts of assault among other, were granted a R2000 bail each by the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court.
It is alleged that on 11 September 2025 a group of five men, one of them being a member of the Tembisa Taxi Association, were driving around Mamelodi East in a taxi when they were confronted by members of the Mamelodi Taxi Association and the Mamelodi Long Distance Taxi Association.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the men were accused of coming from Tembisa to steal taxis. Mahanjana said they were allegedly assaulted, tied up, placed back in their taxi, driven to Cullinan and set alight.
“Two men initially managed to escape the burning vehicle, but later succumbed to their injuries. A member of the Cullinan Community Policing Forum (CPF) received a complaint about a burning taxi on Brandbotch Road in Cullinan.
“Upon arrival, three bodies were found burned beyond recognition inside the vehicle, with two additional men outside the taxi who later died from their injuries. Investigations by the Taxi Violence Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS) led to the arrest of the accused, who handed themselves over to police on 20 September 2025,” she said.
Mahanjana further said in court, the accused requested bail, citing their roles as breadwinners, stable employment with the Mamelodi Taxi Association and confirmed residential addresses. She added that the state prosecutor, Phumza Pfunzo Sinyengwe opposed bail, presenting the affidavit of the investigating officer, Mokgola Gerald Rapetswa, which warned that their release could endanger witnesses.
“It was also noted that Magongwa had a prior assault conviction. However, the magistrate found that exceptional circumstances existed, which in the interest of justice permits their release on bail.
“The matter has been postponed to 26 November 2025 for further investigations,” said Mahanjana.
The Guardian 