SOWETO – A violent Maponya Mall e-hailing attack on Wednesday night left one driver dead and two others injured. Gunmen confronted the e-hailing driver in the mall’s parking area, shot him several times, and set his car on fire. Witnesses said the attack happened within moments, with gunfire ringing out before flames consumed the vehicle. The Maponya Mall e-hailing violence shocked shoppers and other drivers in the area.
Two More Injured in the Violence
The Maponya Mall e-hailing incident also injured another e-hailing driver and a passerby. Emergency teams treated both victims at the scene before transporting them to hospital. One of their vehicles was also set alight, adding to the chaos and fear among commuters.
Police Respond Quickly
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, officers opened a murder case and two counts of attempted murder. Detectives from the SAPS taxi-violence unit joined the investigation immediately. They are examining possible links between the Maponya Mall e-hailing attack and long-standing disputes between e-hailing operators and taxi associations. Police have appealed to the public to share information that might help identify the attackers.
Long-running Transport Tensions
Clashes between e-hailing drivers and taxi operators have troubled Soweto for years. Disputes often centre on pick-up zones and competition for fares. These tensions have led to repeated acts of violence, damaging vehicles and putting passengers at risk.
Community leaders say the latest Maponya Mall e-hailing violence shows the urgent need for stronger law enforcement and structured dialogue between rival groups. They believe regulated operating zones and consistent police patrols could reduce the threat of further incidents.
Security Measures Increased
Following the latest attack, police boosted patrols at Maponya Mall and surrounding transport hubs. Officers promised swift arrests and a visible presence to deter more violence.
The investigation into the Maponya Mall e-hailing conflict continues, with detectives collecting evidence and following leads. Authorities insist that restoring safety for both drivers and passengers is a top priority.
