Soweto Residents Threaten 7 Day Maponya Mall Shutdown Over Deadly Violence

The bustling Maponya Mall — once a symbol of Soweto’s retail pride — is now at the centre of a community safety crisis. Furious residents have blocked off Chris Hani Road, vowing to keep the mall closed for seven days unless management takes immediate action to protect shoppers, workers, and drivers.

Fear Replaces Festive Shopping Atmosphere

For many Sowetans, Maponya Mall has been more than a place to shop — it’s been a community gathering point since it opened in 2007 as a celebration of township economic growth. But this week, the mood turned grim after a violent clash between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers left one man burned to death, two others shot and wounded, and several in hospital.

Two vehicles were torched in the chaos, and terrified bystanders, including an elderly woman in an Uber, narrowly escaped being hit by stray bullets.

Community Says “Enough is Enough”

Local leader Thabang Moloi says the fight between the taxi industry and e-hailing services has gone too far.

“We don’t care who is fighting who. Our concern is people’s lives. We want Maponya Mall management to come out and say something — that’s all we ask.”

Residents have rallied together to barricade roads, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the mall, saying they will not stand down until concrete safety measures are announced.

Police Investigate Murder and Arson

Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevuhulwi confirmed that cases of murder, attempted murder, and arson have been opened. The suspects remain at large, while SAPS and JMPD maintain a visible presence around the mall to monitor tensions.

E-Hailing Drivers Call for Government Intervention

National e-hailing spokesperson Vhatuka Mbelengwa condemned the violence and urged authorities to step in before more lives are lost.

“The e-hailing industry is committed to serving the community. But the government needs to intervene in this ongoing conflict with the taxi industry.”

Social Media Outrage and Public Pressure

On social media, Soweto residents and Joburgers alike are voicing frustration, with hashtags like #MaponyaMall and #SowetoShutdown trending. Many are calling for permanent security upgrades, including visible patrols, CCTV expansion, and conflict mediation between transport sectors.

A Crisis at the Heart of Soweto

The conflict between taxis and e-hailing services is not unique to Soweto, but Maponya Mall’s high foot traffic and symbolic status have turned it into a flashpoint. Without urgent action, residents fear the mall could lose not only its reputation but also its role as a safe public space.

As the barricades remain in place, all eyes are on mall management, law enforcement, and local government to see whether safety can be restored — before the damage becomes irreversible.

Source:Sabc News 

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