Soweto Transport Operators Strike Peace Deal After E-Hailing Driver Murder at Maponya Mall

Soweto, Gauteng — A peace agreement has been reached between e-hailing drivers and minibus taxi operators at Maponya Mall in Soweto, following heightened tensions after the brutal killing of 27-year-old e-hailing driver Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase.

Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela confirmed the resolution, which involved mediation between mall management, transport operators, and community representatives. The deal comes after residents had threatened a seven-day shutdown of the shopping centre in protest against escalating violence and crime.

READ: Deadly Attack on E-Hailing Vehicles Leaves One Dead, Two Injured at Mapoonya Mall |

The Tragic Incident

Mvelase, originally from KwaZulu-Natal, had been working as an e-hailing driver for only three days when he was shot and set alight in his vehicle outside Maponya Mall on Wednesday night. CCTV footage of the attack circulated widely on social media, prompting national outrage.

In the same incident:

• Another e-hailing driver was injured.
• A passerby also sustained gunshot wounds.
• Police launched investigations for murder, attempted murder, and arson.

Community members criticized mall management for failing to prevent intimidation of e-hailing operators by taxi drivers, a conflict that has reportedly persisted since 2023.

Terms of the Peace Deal

Under the agreement mediated by MEC Diale-Tlabela:

1. Law enforcement will prioritise the investigation to ensure justice for Mvelase.
2. Both e-hailing and minibus taxi operators are permitted to operate within the mall.
3. The mall remains open, protecting jobs and economic activity.
4. A temporary government office will assist operators with licensing matters.
5. No operator or passenger should face intimidation or harassment.
6. Follow-up meetings with industry leaders will address broader challenges in the transport sector.

Diale-Tlabela highlighted that the Gauteng Department of Transport has mechanisms to mediate disputes across the taxi, e-hailing, bus, meter taxi, and scholar transport industries.

READ: Community Split Over Maponya Mall Closure After E-Hailing Driver’s Murder |

Community Reactions

While the agreement reduces immediate tensions, residents continue to demand:

• Swift arrests of the perpetrators.
• Long-term safety measures at Maponya Mall and other Johannesburg transport hubs.
• Accountability for ongoing harassment of e-hailing operators.

“This is a step forward, but justice for Siyanda Mvelase must still be delivered,” said a community representative.