A wave of shock and grief continues to sweep through the Thabong community following the tragic death of Lehlohonolo Mokone, a well-known taxi driver.
Mokone (37), affectionately known as the “Jolly Good Fellow,” was fatally shot in what is believed to be a road rage incident on Mohlala Road near the Gugulethu informal settlement at Thabong Ext 13 in the early hours of Monday, 31 March.
On Saturday, 5 April, en route to Phumlani Cemetery via Mohlala Road (better known as Erdeel Road) hundreds of mourners met with an unexpected and prolonged road closure. A line of unoccupied taxis had blocked the road, preventing mourners and funeral parlours from proceeding for close to an hour.
Despite multiple calls to Matjhabeng Public Safety, no immediate response was seen, leaving many stranded and confused.
What initially seemed like an uncoordinated disruption turned out to be a heartfelt, if unplanned, tribute. According to the chairperson of the Mahanapuso Taxi Association, the road blockage was not an organised protest, but rather a spontaneous act of collective mourning by members of the taxi industry who were deeply shaken by Mokone’s violent death.
While some may question the informal road closure, others saw it as a powerful expression of solidarity, loss, and community justice. – Wesley Manako, community reporter
