Deadly Attack on E-Hailing Drivers Sparks Outrage at Maponya Mall

One dead and two injured as Gauteng calls for urgent law enforcement action

Chaos erupted at Maponya Mall in Soweto this week when four armed men launched a brutal attack on e-hailing drivers, leaving one man dead and two others injured. The incident has reignited public fear over the safety of South Africa’s urban transport system and highlighted tensions between traditional taxi operators and ride-hailing services.

Horror at the mall entrance

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the attackers opened fire on a vehicle as it stopped near the mall entrance before setting it alight. Another nearby car was also shot at and torched, with the second driver narrowly escaping before being wounded.

“Police have opened a case of murder, attempted murder, and arson,” Nevhuhulwi said, confirming that victims were rushed to hospital with gunshot injuries.

Government vows swift justice

Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela described the attack as “senseless and unacceptable,” warning that it threatens the stability of the province’s public transport network. Lesiba Mpya, speaking on behalf of the MEC, stressed that authorities will leave no stone unturned.

“Interventions are ongoing, but this has to go beyond condemnation,” Mpya said. “We must charge, arrest, prosecute, sentence, and ensure perpetrators face justice.”

The MEC’s office regularly engages with all stakeholders in the transport sector, including e-hailing operators, taxi associations, and bus companies, in an effort to purify the industry and curb lawlessness.

Taxi violence and public reaction

The attack also drew criticism from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said that aggressive behaviour by taxi drivers towards e-hailing services has become disturbingly common. Elderly passengers and lift clubs have been forcibly diverted to taxis, often under threat or intimidation.

“This is not just unlawful, it is deeply unjust,” Ndhlela said. “The obsession with monopolising public transport puts ordinary citizens at risk and stifles healthy competition.”

Social media users echoed these concerns, with many expressing outrage and demanding stronger law enforcement at transport hubs. Some residents in Pimville even threatened to shut down the mall to protest ongoing safety concerns. Authorities, including SAPS and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, have since been deployed to monitor the tense situation.

A call for systemic change

The tragic events at Maponya Mall are a stark reminder that South Africa’s public transport sector faces more than just operational challenges. Safety, accountability, and a balance between traditional taxis and modern e-hailing services remain urgent priorities. As the investigation continues, communities and officials alike are calling for swift action to prevent further violence and restore trust in the system.

{Source: IOL}

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