Two E-Hailing Drivers Shot at Maponya Mall
Natalie Nyathi
In a tragic incident on Wednesday night, the shooting of e-hailing drivers outside Maponya Mall in Soweto has left one person dead and several others injured. The attack, described by Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela as a “barbaric act,” has raised serious concerns about safety in the area.
The chaos unfolded when four assailants approached an e-hailing vehicle parked at the entrance of the mall and opened fire. The driver was killed instantly, and the attackers then proceeded to set the vehicle ablaze. A second e-hailing car parked nearby was also targeted, but the driver managed to escape after sustaining a gunshot wound. Additionally, an innocent bystander was shot during the incident and was later rushed to the hospital.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a case of murder, attempted murder, and arson has been opened for further investigation. Police believe the incident is likely related to ongoing taxi violence. The SAPS and JMPD are monitoring the situation.
The shooting has sparked outrage in the community, highlighting ongoing issues of violence and safety for e-hailing drivers. In recent years, there has been an increase in tensions between e-hailing services and traditional taxi operators. This conflict often leads to violent confrontations, putting drivers and passengers at risk. In June 2023, similar attacks occurred outside the same mall, raising concerns that this recent event could reignite deadly taxi violence.
Lesiba Mpya, spokesperson for the MEC, emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to take swift action. He called for a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous act, stressing that such violence cannot be tolerated. MEC Diale-Tlabela has described the violence as a “senseless, unacceptable, and direct threat to the safety and stability of our public transport system.”
This incident is part of a troubling trend in South Africa, where taxi violence has escalated in recent years. E-hailing services like Uber and Bolt have become popular alternatives to traditional taxis, leading to competition and sometimes violent disputes over market share. Minibus taxis are a primary mode of transport for many South Africans, but these services are often governed by criminal networks, and deadly turf wars between rival taxi associations are common. Drivers operating via ride-hailing apps are frequently barred by threat of violence from picking up passengers in certain areas dominated by minibus operators.
In response to the growing violence, various stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders, are calling for better security measures to protect drivers and ensure the safety of the public. This includes increased police presence in areas known for taxi-related violence and more robust support for e-hailing drivers.
The shooting at Maponya Mall is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by e-hailing drivers in South Africa. As the investigation continues, there is a pressing need for community support and government action to address the underlying issues of violence and competition in the transport sector. Ensuring the safety of all drivers is essential for fostering a secure and thriving public transport system.
