A young e-hailing driver, Siyanda Mvelase, 27, was shot and burned at Maponya Mall on Wednesday.

Mvelase was killed on Wednesday evening, August 13, when unknown gunmen attacked e-hailing drivers outside Maponya Mall. 

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said one vehicle was seen stopping at the entrance when four men approached and opened fire on the driver before setting the car alight.

“Another vehicle nearby was also shot at, but the driver managed to flee. That vehicle was also torched,” Nevhuhulwi said.

A passerby and the second driver sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital. 

A case of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson has been opened for investigation.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) were deployed to the scene, with police saying the violence is suspected to be linked to ongoing tensions in the taxi industry.

IOL News previously reported that the township of Pimville came to a standstill on Thursday as angry residents vowed to shut down Maponya Mall for seven days. 

The protest was in response to the attack on e-hailing drivers. In retaliation, one minibus taxi was burned by community members.

The violent clash follows months of rising tensions between traditional taxi operators and e-hailing services, which have increasingly become flashpoints in South African public transport disputes.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi expressed outrage over the attack, describing it as both a criminal act and a violation of democratic values.

“The lives of innocent people were put in danger when bullets flew around Maponya Mall,” said Kubayi. 

“This is not only a matter of criminality but an affront to our constitutional rights. As a daughter of Soweto, I stand in solidarity with the community.”

Kubayi also called for swift justice and a coordinated government response through the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.

In addition, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) urged the government to expedite the implementation of amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) regulations.

SANTACO spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the delay in enforcing the new regulations has created a “regulatory vacuum”, leading to an unchecked influx of unlicensed e-hailing operators.

“This unregulated environment is fuelling safety risks, including hijackings, abductions, and violent crimes linked to the sector,” said Phala. 

“SANTACO cannot remain silent. The government must act swiftly to enforce the revised NLTA regulations to ensure the safety of all commuters and operators.”

*This article was first published by IOL News