E-Hailing Driver Shot Dead and Set Alight in Car, Two Others Injured in Taxi Violence Attack at Maponya Mall
A violent incident at Maponya Mall in Soweto on Wednesday night, 13 August 2025, left one person dead and two others injured in what police suspect is linked to ongoing taxi violence.
According to eyewitness accounts, an e-hailing driver was ambushed by about four men shortly after stopping at the mall’s entrance.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the driver before setting his vehicle alight.
Also Read: Four People Killed, Several Injured in Mfuleni Taxi Rank Shooting
Second Vehicle Targeted
Police confirmed that another e-hailing vehicle nearby was also attacked.
Shots were fired at the driver, who managed to escape, but both he and a passerby sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital. The wounded driver’s vehicle was also set alight.
Police Investigations Underway
Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the incident is being treated as a case of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson.
“The SAPS taxi violence detectives and other relevant law enforcement agencies have been deployed to investigate and monitor the situation,” Nevhuhulwi stated.
She also confirmed that the area has a history of tension between e-hailing drivers and taxi drivers, although previous disputes were addressed by relevant departments.
Possible Link to Taxi-E-hailing Tensions
The attack is suspected to be part of the ongoing conflict between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, a long-standing issue in parts of Gauteng.
Police and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers remain on the scene to ensure public safety.
Public Outrage Over Brutal Attack
Many South Africans have expressed outrage over the violent incident at Maponya Mall, describing it as inhumane and unacceptable.
The attack has reignited concerns over the ongoing tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, as well as the safety and reliability of the country’s public transport system.
@boss_mmfi;
If it were possible, commuters would boycott using taxis but sadly, our public transport system is neither safe nor reliable. That’s inhumane what they did 💔
@mushure_mathias
Taxi industry is a true image of a mighty gangster group with political links
@Amukalanie;
Who gave them the authority to harass other people?????? @SAPoliceService WHY are you letting these criminals to do as they pleases??
@xcaga;
I wonder who gave these taxi associations so much power. They are criminals who disguise as descent businesses. This thing of being in exits and entrances of towns hzdber left unattended. Busses,ehailers now have to be given permission by them to trade😎😎