Suspected hitman arrested for taxi-related murder in Durban

KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a 32-year-old suspected hitman linked to a deadly taxi-related murder in Montclair, Durban. A manhunt is still underway for the remaining three suspects.

Montclair shooting

On July 17, 2025, Mohammed Abdul Hammid and his wife drove to a fast-food outlet in Montclair. Hammid was reportedly meeting a taxi owner who had promised him a work permit to join a local taxi association.

While his wife went inside, Hammid remained in his blue BMW. Moments later, a white Ford Ranger with four men pulled up and opened fire. Hammid died at the scene. His licensed firearm was recovered inside the car.

Police chase and breakthrough

Nearby Metro Police officers spotted the getaway vehicle driving recklessly along South Coast Road. The suspects abandoned it during a chase. Inside, police recovered an R5 rifle with two magazines and an additional handgun magazine.

The case was assigned to the Provincial Taxi Violence Unit. Forensic evidence from the Ford Ranger helped identify two suspects from Section A in Umlazi.

Arrest in Umlazi

On August 28, detectives carried out an operation in Umlazi, arresting Qaphelani Nyawose (32). At the scene, officers also found another man in a stolen vehicle reported missing from Bayview. He was arrested for possession of a suspected stolen car.

Court appearance

Nyawose appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court on August 29. He was remanded in custody and will return to court on September 5 for bail consideration.

Police confirmed that the manhunt for the other three suspects continues.

{Source: Risingsunnewspapers}

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