A Tragic Loss of Life
The close-knit e-hailing community in Soweto is mourning the death of one of their own after the shocking murder of pastor and driver Ison Mthombeni.
Ison went missing late last Saturday night after what was believed to be his last trip of the evening, dropping a passenger at a casino in Johannesburg. When he didn’t return home and couldn’t be reached by phone, friends grew worried. On Monday his abandoned car was found with a chilling discovery – blood stains inside.
That’s when the Soweto United E-hailing Association sprang into action. “We had to do something to find our friend,” said Bubuya Dube, who had introduced Ison to the work. Members fanned out across the area searching desperately for any clues.
Their worst fears were tragically confirmed when police directed them to a nearby morgue, where Ison’s body had been brought in. He had been dumped in a field, murdered with a gunshot wound. The close-knit community was rocked by the news.
“He was a very spiritual person who loved God and he was a pastor who worshipped at House of Treasures Ministries,” said Dube.,” recalled Bubuya.
As they grapple with their loss, questions linger about what exactly happened that night and who is responsible. While an investigation is ongoing, associations fear this may not have been an isolated incident. E-hailing has become a dangerous job in South Africa, with many drivers falling victim to crimes. New safety measures are urgently needed before another life is lost.
In the meantime, Ison’s loved ones in Zimbabwe and across Soweto mourn a caring soul taken from them all too soon.
Family spokesperson Perseverance Mhlaba said the family needed answers.
“We would like to know what transpired on that day. His mother, father, brothers and sisters are in Zimbabwe and they are in a state of shock.”
Mhlaba said she would miss Mthombeni, describing him as a man of peace.
“Ison was a very humble and kind-hearted person. He was never aggressive. He loved to solve problems in a peaceful way,” she said.
