Operations resumed at Maponya Mall in Soweto on Thursday morning, but the area remains tense after a violent attack that left one e-hailing driver dead and two people injured.
Residents block taxis after deadly attack near Maponya Mall
E-hailing services, such as Uber and Bolt, are app-based transport systems where passengers book rides using a smartphone.
Police say the attack happened on Wednesday night when two e-hailing vehicles were targeted by a group of armed men.
In the first incident, four suspects allegedly approached a vehicle at the mall entrance, shot the driver, and set the car alight. The driver died at the scene. Another e-hailing driver and an innocent bystander were also shot and taken to hospital.
A second e-hailing vehicle was attacked shortly afterwards. The driver managed to escape on foot, but the car was later burned.
Taxi set alight as clashes intensify
By Thursday, residents of Pimville and local e-hailing drivers had started blocking taxis from operating around Maponya Mall. Roads were barricaded with rocks, and some vehicles were turned away.
Later in the day, protesters allegedly pulled a taxi driver from his vehicle before setting the taxi on fire. Police vehicles were stationed nearby but kept their distance as tensions continued.
Community members accused law enforcement of failing to protect e-hailing drivers from attacks they believe are linked to taxi industry conflicts. Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made and that they are collecting witness statements and reviewing CCTV footage.
Police suspect the attack could be part of ongoing disputes between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers over passengers and routes. In some parts of South Africa, these rivalries have turned violent, with each side seeking to dominate the local transport market.
Soweto residents have vowed to keep taxis out of the area for seven days in solidarity with e-hailing drivers. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened cases of murder, attempted murder, and arson, and has appealed for witnesses to come forward.
SANTACO responds with concerns over e-hailing industry
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), the main body representing taxi operators, released a statement on Wednesday addressing what it calls the “continued illegality” in the e-hailing sector.
SANTACO says many e-hailing drivers are operating without official permits because of delays in implementing updated transport laws.
The organisation claims this lack of regulation has led to congestion in the public transport sector and increased safety risks for commuters.
While SANTACO did not comment directly on the Maponya Mall attack, it urged government to act quickly to close legal loopholes and enforce permit requirements.