Tensions boil at Maponya Mall after e-hailing attack — 1 dead, 2 injured. Family slams MEC for excluding them from talks as taxi–e-hailing violence flares in Soweto

Soweto – A heavy police presence remains at Maponya Mall in Pimville, Soweto, following a deadly attack believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers. One person was killed and two others injured last night when two e-hailing vehicles were attacked by unknown assailants.

This morning, the mall and surrounding streets were cordoned off, with Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) vehicles stationed inside the premises and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and National Traffic Police posted outside. Forensic teams arrived on the scene late in the morning to collect evidence from the area where the shooting occurred.

Inside the mall, Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has been meeting behind closed doors with key stakeholders, including representatives from the taxi industry, e-hailing associations, and mall management, in an attempt to defuse the long-standing dispute.

However, the meeting has drawn criticism from community members and the victim’s family, who claim they were excluded from the discussions. Standing outside the mall alongside other residents, community member Ketu Malbu expressed frustration at the lack of direct engagement.

“The biggest problem we’re having here is arrogance,” Malbu said. “The MEC hasn’t even seen the family or come to the ground to speak to the people. Who is representing the community inside? Not even the family has been called to receive condolences.”

Family members of the deceased echoed the sentiment, saying they were “devastated” and deeply concerned about being sidelined while media and officials were allowed inside.

There was also anger over how the scene was managed. Malbu questioned why the area was only declared a crime scene hours after the incident, alleging that potential evidence may already have been compromised.

“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,” he said, accusing SAPS and forensic teams of poor coordination.

Outside the mall, emotions ran high as residents vowed to continue blocking operations until their concerns were addressed directly by the MEC. They say they want answers on how authorities plan to end the recurring violence between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, which has flared repeatedly in recent months.

As the closed-door talks continued, the community stood waiting for a public address, unsure if the MEC would emerge to speak to them. For now, tensions remain high, with security forces maintaining a visible presence to prevent further violence