The slain taxi driver, who was killed last week during a robbery, was eulogized as a dedicated and a caring family man.

This emerged during Mirror’s visit to the family of Nditsheni Azwidohwi (32), well-known taxi driver at Muledane, this week. Nditsheni, a married father of two, met his tragic end when three teenaged thugs boarded his taxi and robbed him, before shooting him at the Mutsha area outside Louis Trichardt last week.

This week, the family was in deep mourning while preparations for his funeral were underway. "We are very saddened by this incident," were the first words of Mr Johannes Azwidohwi, father of the slain man. "He was an exemplary man who had the interests of his family in his heart; he was always there for us all, even though we did not stay together," he said.

He said the family depended on Nditsheni for everything as they were not working. "He always brought us some food and some goodies to make us happy at all times because he loved us all. We are lost now and do not know what next to do; we are putting all hope and trust in God," he said.

Tshifhiwa Azwidohwi, sister of the deceased, said her brother did not deserve to die the way he did. "He was everything to us as he was the only boy in our family. We looked up to him for everything, which he did with dedication; he was very dedicated to our family," she said.

His wife of eight years, Musiiwa, was at a loss for words. "What else can I say? I feel like a part of me was taken away and I do not even know what to do, "she said. "He loved me and our children and would go an extra mile in providing for us. We never wanted for anything as he made sure that we got everything we needed as a family," she said.

Tshifhiwa said she was troubled by the fact that the children will grow up without the care of their father. "I am not working and have two kids. How am I going to cope without him? I am really lost," she said. She said she was only consoled by the women who come for prayers with their family and that his employer did not desert them during their time of need. "Ever since the incident happened, these women have been our pillar of strength and we will not forget the generous gesture from my husband’s employer, who has been with us throughout, "she said.

Nditsheni’s death brings the issue of safety on taxi drivers in the spotlight. Khathu Ramulondi, cousin of the deceased, said taxi drivers worked in constant danger. He said roads pose a very big threat to their lives daily, as they are always faced with the challenge of accidents and robbers who regard them as easy targets. "These people should be insured against death. What happens to their families after their death?" he asked.

The chairperson of the Vuwani Taxi Association, Mr Mavhungu Madzhie, said they took the issue of the security of their employees seriously. He said they always advised their members to knock off early in order to avoid attacks late in the evening. "We do our best to look after our members as they play a very important part in the industry. In case of death, we go all out to help the family in whatever way possible. To show that we care for our members, we will go out today (Friday the 13th) and converge at the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court to oppose bail." He said more than 100 taxis will ferry owners, drivers and general members of the public to court.

He said the procession will leave at the Zwikwengani Cross at Tshifulanani in the morning. He also urged members of the community to come in their numbers in order to influence the outcome of their application.

Meanwhile, three suspects, two of them minors, have been arrested and have since appeared in court.

Nditsheni leaves his parents, wife, two children and two sisters and will be buried on Sunday.