Soweto Mall Reopens After E-Hailing Driver Killing Sparks Unrest

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela says calm has been restored at Maponya Mall in Soweto following days of tension and unrest sparked by the killing of a 27-year-old e-hailing driver outside the mall last week.

Diale-Tlabela visited the mall on Monday morning to meet with taxi operators, e-hailing representatives, community leaders, and mall management in a bid to defuse tensions and ensure the resumption of normal business operations.

Background to the Unrest

The violence erupted after Mthokozisi Mvelase, an e-hailing driver who had only recently joined the industry, was shot dead while stationed at what is believed to have been a pickup point outside the mall. Two other e-hailing drivers were also injured in the attack.

In the aftermath, members of the community blockaded entrances to the mall, effectively forcing its closure. The incident reignited long-simmering tensions between taxi associations and e-hailing operators, a conflict that has periodically flared up across Gauteng and other provinces.

MEC’s Intervention

Diale-Tlabela’s visit formed part of her department’s ongoing efforts to mediate conflicts within the public transport sector and to demonstrate government’s presence on the ground in times of crisis.

She said engagements with the Soweto E-hailers’ Organisation had been positive, resulting in commitments from all sides to prioritise peace.

“We now have things under control. Calm has been restored and the mall management has agreed to re-open. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that residents and businesses are safe,” said Diale-Tlabela.

Law Enforcement Presence

Additional police and security personnel have been deployed around Maponya Mall to prevent further violence. The MEC stressed that lawlessness will not be tolerated.

“Let’s allow business to continue and allow other members of the community to have access to the services they so much need,” she said.

Authorities have not yet confirmed arrests in connection with Mvelase’s killing, but investigations are ongoing.

Transport Sector Flashpoint

The death of Mvelase highlights the broader tensions between the traditional minibus taxi sector and e-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. Taxi operators have long accused e-hailing drivers of undercutting their business, while e-hailing drivers complain of harassment, extortion, and violence.

Government has been working on regulatory reforms to level the playing field, but disputes over territory, pricing, and safety remain unresolved.

Looking Ahead

Diale-Tlabela said her department is committed to facilitating dialogue between stakeholders to prevent further clashes. She also appealed to residents not to resort to violence when grievances arise.

The reopening of Maponya Mall is expected to bring relief to Soweto residents and businesses after several days of disruption.

“We must protect livelihoods and lives together. Violence only takes us backwards. Our task now is to build peace in the transport sector while ensuring the safety of workers and passengers,” Diale-Tlabela concluded.