Soweto Tensions Flare After Deadly E-Hailing Attack at Maponya Mall

Soweto – A heavy police presence remains at Maponya Mall in Pimville, Soweto, following a deadly attack that claimed one life and left two others injured. The violence, believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, has reignited community anger and calls for accountability.

Police and Forensic Teams Secure Scene

On Saturday morning, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), South African Police Service (SAPS), and National Traffic Police cordoned off the mall and surrounding streets. Forensic teams arrived to collect evidence hours after the attack, raising concerns from residents about possible contamination of the crime scene.

Community member Ketu Malbu expressed frustration:

“We were here first in the morning. Now they’re telling us it’s a crime scene after so many hours. The family already collected the remains of their loved one. Many people have walked through the scene.”

READ: Maponya Mall Attack: Gauteng Transport MEC Addresses E-Hailing Violence Crisis and on interventions amid tensions |

MEC Holds Closed-Door Talks

Inside the mall, Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela met with taxi associations, e-hailing representatives, and mall management in a bid to defuse long-standing tensions. However, the meeting drew sharp criticism from community members and the victim’s family, who said they were excluded.

“The MEC hasn’t even seen the family or come to the ground to speak to the people. Who is representing the community inside?” Malbu added.

Family members described themselves as “devastated” and sidelined while officials and media were given access.

Community Demands and Rising Anger

Residents gathered outside Maponya Mall accused authorities of arrogance and poor crisis management. They vowed to continue blocking operations until the MEC directly addresses the community and the victim’s family.

The crowd demanded answers on how government plans to stop the recurring violence between taxi and e-hailing operators, which has erupted multiple times in recent months.

READ: Maponya Mall Reopens Amid Soweto Tensions After Deadly E-Hailing Attack |

Security on High Alert

Security forces maintain a visible presence at the mall to prevent further violence. Meanwhile, the community waits anxiously to hear whether MEC Diale-Tlabela will step outside closed meetings to address them directly.

For now, tensions remain high, with calls for justice, accountability, and lasting solutions to the taxi–e-hailing conflict dominating the streets of Soweto.