MK Party condemns killing of e-hailing drivers at Maponya Mall

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) condemned the killing of e-hailing drivers following a shooting at the Maponya Mall in Soweto.

One person was confirmed dead and two others injured after an attack on e-hailing vehicles at the mall. 

In a statement, the party described the killings as “intimidation, harassment, and inhumane treatment”, warning that violence against e-hailing operators had become common.

“Reports have emerged of elderly passengers carrying groceries being physically forced out of e-hailing vehicles and into taxis that do not offer the same convenience, safety, or door-to-door services," the party said.

"Lift clubs and private vehicles carrying family members or neighbours headed in the same direction have also not been spared," it said.

"Drivers have been intimidated and accused of 'stealing business' from taxi operators, although in reality, fully loaded taxis are a frequent sight in South Africa. This points not to a lack of demand, but rather to an unhealthy obsession with monopolising the public transport space."

According to preliminary reports, the shooting happened when an e-hailing vehicle was seen stopping at the mall's entrance.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, said eyewitnesses recounted a harrowing scene as approximately four men approached the vehicle, opening fire on the driver. The assailants then proceeded to set the vehicle ablaze, turning a routine evening into chaos.

"Another nearby e-hailing vehicle became a target as well. The driver, however, managed to flee the scene, though their vehicle also fell victim to the flames," Nevhuhulwi said.

"Tragically, it was later revealed that both the driver and an innocent passerby sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. Emergency medical services responded promptly, transporting the injured to a local hospital for urgent care."

The MK Party said that many South Africans rely on multiple transport options daily and that there was enough space for all service providers to operate. It labelled the use of intimidation, violence, and murder as “greed” that undermines the spirit of ubuntu.

"If families can no longer travel together, and neighbours are afraid to offer each other a ride, what does that say about the values we claim to uphold as a society?"

The party called on the South African Police Service to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice, and urged the minister of transport to take a clear stance against such violence.

Daily News