Soweto residents remain tense after a violent attack at Maponya Mall on Wednesday evening left one e-hailing driver dead and two others injured. The incident unfolded when unidentified assailants opened fire on e-hailing vehicles outside the mall, killing 27-year-old Mthokozisi Mvelasi and setting his vehicle ablaze. Another e-hailing driver was shot and managed to flee, though his vehicle was also torched. A passerby caught in the crossfire sustained gunshot wounds and was hospitalized.
The violence is believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between the minibus taxi industry and e-hailing operators, a conflict that has long plagued the area. Following the attack, hundreds of Soweto residents protested, demanding authorities intervene and calling for the closure of Maponya Mall until sufficient safety measures are instituted. They expressed frustration over ongoing intimidation and violence that jeopardizes residents’ safety and freedom to choose their transport.
The Gauteng MEC for Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, held discussions with various stakeholders, including community leaders, taxi association representatives, and e-hailing groups, but the victim’s family has voiced disappointment at being excluded from these talks. Community members also criticized mall security for failing to prevent the attack, noting that attackers appeared armed with petrol bombs.
Police have opened investigations into murder, attempted murder, and arson. A strong police and metropolitan presence remains at the scene to maintain order. Residents have vowed to keep the mall closed and continue protests until arrests are made and effective solutions to the taxi and e-hailing conflicts are established, ensuring safe passage for all shoppers and commuters. The community demands a lasting resolution to the cycle of violence that has disrupted daily life in the area.