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Pimville Protest Closes Maponya Mall Over Taxi Violence

Published

2 months ago

August 14, 2025

Chiraag

Pimville Maponya Mall closure, Soweto taxi-e-hailing violence, driver killed in attack, community protest, vehicles torched, SANTACO calls for regulation, NLTA enforcement delays, Gauteng MEC mediation, public transport unrest, Joburg ETC

Pimville came to a halt on Thursday as residents locked down Maponya Mall, vowing to keep it closed for seven days in mourning for an e-hailing driver killed in a brutal attack.

The violence broke out on Wednesday when four armed men ambushed the driver, shooting him before setting his vehicle ablaze with him inside. Two other e-hailing drivers were injured in related incidents, and another car was torched near the mall.

In retaliation, locals set a taxi on fire the following day, saying they would no longer tolerate the cycle of violence between taxi and e-hailing operators.

“We Mourn for Seven Days”

Community representative Keabetswe Maleba said the shutdown was both a cultural act of mourning and a demand for accountability.

“This problem did not start today. We warned about it in 2023 when cars were already being torched here. We mourn for no less than seven days when one of us dies. So Maponya Mall will close for seven days,” Maleba told residents gathered outside the mall.

Locals believe both the mall’s management and the provincial government have failed to take action despite repeated warnings.

SANTACO Demands Action on Law Delays

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) linked the unrest to delays in enforcing the amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA).

Spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the gap has allowed unlicensed e-hailing operators to flood the market, creating safety risks and fuelling conflict. She warned of rising hijackings, abductions, and harassment linked to the lack of regulation.

“As the apex body for public transport, we urge the government to expedite the implementation of the revised regulations and tighten enforcement,” Phala said.

MEC’s Pledge Meets Resistance

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, attempted to mediate by meeting with stakeholders, but some residents rejected the talks, saying they did not recognise the leaders consulted.

The MEC assured the community their grievances were noted and reaffirmed that Soweto residents have the right to choose their mode of transport.

A taxi owner whose vehicle was torched said he was devastated that the attack happened in full view of police. “How can there be peace after such a senseless act?” he asked.