Umlazi Taxi Murder Suspect: 1 Arrested in Deadly Conflict 

(The Pos tNews) – The Umlazi taxi murder suspect has been arrested following a targeted police operation that brought a breakthrough in the investigation of a brutal Montclair killing. This development is seen as a significant step in curbing ongoing taxi-related violence in KwaZulu-Natal.

Umlazi Taxi Murder Suspect Nabbed After Shooting

The 32-year-old suspect, identified as Qaphelani Nyawose, was taken into custody in Umlazi on August 28, 2025, by the provincial Taxi Violence Unit. He faces charges linked to the death of businessman Mohammed Abdul Hammid, who was gunned down outside a Montclair fast-food outlet on July 17, 2025.

Investigators revealed that Hammid and his wife had arranged to meet a taxi owner who allegedly promised him a work permit. While Hammid waited inside his blue BMW, his wife went into the store. At that moment, a white Ford Ranger carrying four armed men pulled up, and shots were fired without warning. Hammid died instantly at the scene, despite still being in possession of his licensed firearm.

Immediately afterward, Metro Police spotted the Ford Ranger speeding recklessly along South Coast Road. A dramatic high-speed chase followed before the attackers abandoned the vehicle. Some fled on foot, while others escaped in a red Toyota Etios. Inside the abandoned Ranger, officers discovered an R5 rifle with loaded magazines, along with an additional handgun magazine.

Umlazi Taxi Murder Suspect Appears in Court

Forensic evidence recovered from the abandoned vehicle linked two Umlazi men to the killing, ultimately leading detectives to Nyawose. A stolen car in Bayview led to the arrest of another man during the same operation. He now faces charges for possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.

The Umlazi taxi murder suspect appeared briefly in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on August 29, 2025. He was remanded in custody and is expected to return on September 5, 2025, for a bail hearing.

Police confirmed that a manhunt is still underway for three other suspects connected to Hammid’s killing. Authorities stressed that while the capture of the Umlazi taxi murder suspect is a crucial milestone, the investigation remains active as officers continue tracking those still at large.

Please share your thoughts contact Thembeka via email: Journalist-thembeka@thepostnews.net

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Thembeka Dlamuka

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I’m Thembeka Dlamuka, a journalist with a passion for telling stories that matter. At The Post News, I work to uncover the truth, shed light on complex issues, and give a voice to people and communities who are often overlooked. I hold a Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies from Damelin College. Integrity guides everything I do, from breaking news to in-depth investigations. For me, journalism isn’t just a career; it’s a commitment to keeping the public informed, engaged, and empowered.

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