Minibus Taxi Mysteriously Catches Fire as Commuters Await Boarding

Thohoyandou – Commuters were left in disbelief when a stationary minibus taxi suddenly burst into flames at the Mvusuludzo Shopping Centre in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.

The minibus taxi, serving the route between Thohoyandou and Shayandima, was parked on Monday, 6 October 2025, awaiting passengers when the fire erupted.

Clearly shaken, commuter Gladys Mungani, who was about to get on the taxi, said: “I am still in shock.”

She added, “I was standing right beside the taxi when the flames started.”

Taxi drivers and nearby bystanders attempted to douse the flames with water, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

The fire completely engulfed the vehicle.

Fortunately, nearby minibus taxis were not affected by the blaze.

Mungani, speculating on the possibility of foul play, remarked: “The fire just ignited out of nowhere, but it’s either luck or divine intervention that no one was injured.”

In contrast, Edwin Mulaudzi, a minibus taxi driver, suggested that the blaze might have been caused by a wiring issue.

“It’s devastating to lose property like this. I feel for my brother, who was driving it; he could be out of work with the festive season approaching,” Mulaudzi expressed.

The incident left a significant impression on shoppers in Thohoyandou, a small city in Limpopo Province, situated south of Venda, recognized for its rich agricultural and cultural heritage.

Shopper Happy Ramudzuli voiced his concerns, stating he now feels apprehensive about using a minibus taxi after witnessing the fire.

“If I had any other option, I wouldn’t take a taxi today because I’m still shaken from what I saw,” admitted the fearful commuter.

“What if I had been inside the taxi when the fire started?”

“But since I need to get home, I have no choice but to take a taxi, despite my worries.”

Notably, police and fire rescue teams were absent from the scene.