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Procession planned for slain cab driver 'Uncle Ahmed'

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Brendan Burke/NNSL photo. Of the 104 licensed cabs operated by two companies in Yellowknife, all vehicles passed a mechanical and basic requirement inspection conducted last month. May 23, 2018

Taxi drivers employed by both City Cab and Aurora Taxi will take to the streets of Yellowknife Monday for a procession for a former fellow cabbie killed on the job.

Ahmed Mahamud Ali, a longtime City Cab driver, was pronounced dead in the early hours of Nov. 19 after being found unconscious in the backseat of his taxi outside of Stanton Territorial Hospital.

Elias Schiller, 18, and James Schiller, 49, are both charged with murder in connection with Ali's death.

The "show of solidarity" is slated for Monday at 12 p.m., states a news release issued by City Cab Friday.

"The loss of 'Uncle Ahmed' is felt throughout the ranks of the city's taxi drivers," writes the company's general manger, Shirley McGrath.

Brendan Burke/NNSL photo.
Ahmed Mahamud Ali, pictured here in his in chauffeur's permit, was pronounced dead early Monday morning after being found unconscious inside his City Cab taxi.

The company is advising Yellowknife residents and motorists that the commemoration will hold up traffic from the Community Arena to School Draw Avenue while the "parade passes."

In an interview with McGrath last week, she said the procession will see "as many drivers that are on the road," take part.

Earlier this week, City Cab announced new safety measures would be coming to company taxis in the wake of Ali's death.