E-Hailing & Taxi Operators Reach Peace Agreement at Maponya Mall After Murder of Siyanda Mvelase

Transport Operators Strike Peace Deal at Maponya Mall After Brutal Murder

An agreement has been reached for e-hailing drivers and minibus taxi operators to coexist at Maponya Mall in Soweto, following days of heightened tension after the killing of e-hailing driver Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase.

Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela confirmed the deal after mediating discussions between mall management, transport operators, and community representatives. The resolution has averted a threatened seven-day shutdown of the shopping centre, which residents had demanded in protest against rising violence and crime in the area.

The 27-year-old 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 the mall on Wednesday night. CCTV footage of the attack went viral, drawing widespread condemnation. Another e-hailing driver and a passerby were also wounded in the incident.

Thursday saw a protest outside the mall, with residents calling for swift arrests and improved safety for shoppers and drivers. Community members accused the mall of failing to prevent intimidation of e-hailing operators by taxi drivers, an issue that has reportedly persisted since 2023.

Under the agreement announced by Diale-Tlabela:

• Law enforcement will prioritise the investigation to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
• Both e-hailing and minibus taxi operators will be allowed to operate inside the mall.
• The mall will remain open to safeguard jobs.
• A temporary government office will be established to assist operators with licensing matters.
• No operator or passenger should face intimidation or fear in any form.

A follow-up meeting will be held with industry leaders to address broader challenges facing the transport sector. Diale-Tlabela emphasised that her department has mechanisms in place to mediate disputes across the taxi, e-hailing, bus, meter taxi, and scholar transport industries.

While the agreement marks a step toward easing tensions, the community continues to demand justice for Mvelase and lasting measures to ensure safety at one of Soweto’s busiest shopping hubs.