The long-standing tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers have once again turned deadly. On Wednesday, an e-hailing driver was shot and killed at Maponya Mall in Soweto.
Another driver and a passerby sustained injuries in the attack, while two vehicles were set alight by an unidentified group of men.
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Although no arrests have been made, taxi drivers have been accused of targeting and intimidating e-hailing drivers at Maponya Mall and other busy shopping centres across Johannesburg.
MK Party Demands Government Action
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party is calling on the Minister of Transport to take immediate and decisive action to end the violence.
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“We call on the minister of transport to take an unequivocal stand against this violence and to ensure the safety of all public transport operators, whether taxi drivers, e-hailing drivers or lift club members and the commuters they serve,” said MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
Ndhlela accused elements within the taxi industry of trying to eliminate fair competition in the transport sector. “South Africa is a country where millions depend on a variety of transport modes including taxis, buses, trains, e-hailing services, and private lift-sharing to meet their daily needs.
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“There is more than enough room in the sector for all service providers to operate sustainably. Resorting to violence, intimidation and even murder in a bid to dominate the industry is pure greed and undermines the spirit of ubuntu,” he said.
Ongoing Struggle for Safe and Fair Transport
E-hailing drivers from services such as Uber and Bolt have long reported intimidation in Soweto, with some alleging that their vehicles are “confiscated” by taxi associations.
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In many cases, drivers have been forced to pay fines of up to R5 000 to retrieve their cars, and in extreme cases, vehicles have been set on fire.
Ndhlela stressed that violence in the transport sector threatens community values.
“If families can no longer travel together, and neighbours are afraid to offer each other a ride, what does that say about the values we claim to uphold as a society?” he said.
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The MK party condemned the latest killing “in the strongest terms” and extended condolences to the victims’ families. Police have been urged to act swiftly to track down those responsible.
Maponya Mall management was expected to address customers on Thursday morning regarding the incident.
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