Johannesburg – The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has condemned the gruesome attacks and killings of e-hailing drivers by taxi associations in Gauteng, following the recent murder of an e-hailing driver at Maponya Mall.
The party has called for urgent intervention from the police and the minister of transport.
In a statement, MK expressed deep concern over the ongoing harassment of e-hailing drivers.
The latest incident occurred on 13 August, when a driver was tortured and murdered, and two others were injured, allegedly by taxi drivers at Maponya Mall in Soweto.
MK PARTY CONDEMNS THE GRUESOME KILLING AND ATTACKS ON E-HAILING DRIVERS BY TAXI ASSOCIATIONS IN GAUTENG. pic.twitter.com/mduOTn0Wyt
— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) August 14, 2025
“It has become disturbingly common for taxi drivers to bully e-hailing service providers and their passengers, often forcibly removing people from vehicles and coercing them into using taxis instead.
“This practice is not only unlawful but deeply unjust,” said MK.
According to reports, elderly passengers carrying groceries were physically forced out of e-hailing vehicles and placed into taxis, which do not offer the same safety, convenience, or door-to-door service as e-hailing providers.
The party has accused the taxi association of monopolising the transport space after harassing other drivers, including lift clubs, which they accuse of “stealing business” from taxi operators.
What is happening at Maponya Mall is further proof of a State that has lost control. If you just organize yourselves, you can take advantage. Illegal foreigners, organized crime gangs, corrupt politicaiams, taxi drivers, bogus churches, etc. Every grouping does as they please. pic.twitter.com/BdWi1ZeVem
— Mnca-Mnce 🍭 (@Mnca_mnce) August 13, 2025
However, in reality, taxis are often seen fully loaded, highlighting that the association’s actions are driven by greed and an obsession with monopolisation.
“South Africa is a country where millions depend on a variety of transport modes including taxis, buses, trains, e-hailing services and private lift-sharing to meet their daily needs.
“There is more than enough room in the sector for all service providers to operate sustainably. Resorting to violence, intimidation and even murder in a bid to dominate the industry is pure greed and 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?” said MK.
The party has urged the South African Police Service and the minister of transport to intervene, take a firm stand against the violence, and ensure the safety of all public transport operators.
♦️UPDATE♦️
Current situation at Maponya Mall:
JMPD TRU and Operations officers remain deployed on-site to maintain peace and order.The investigation into the motive behind the killing is ongoing, with law enforcement working to bring those responsible to justice.… pic.twitter.com/6CdQbUYfSO
— COJ People’s MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) August 14, 2025
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@TwaRSA26
Source: AFP
