ONE PERSON DEAD AND TWO INJURED AFTER E-HAILING VEHICLES WERE TORCHED AT MAPONYA MALL
13 August 2025
One person has been declared dead and two injured after e-hailing vehicles were attacked by unknown suspects at Maponya Mall this evening, 13 August 2025.
According to information at hand, an ehailing vehicle was seen stopping at the entrance when about four men approached the driver and shot at him before torching the vehicle. Another vehicle which was nearby was shot at and the driver managed to flee and his vehicle was also torched. It was later discovered that the driver and another passerby sustain gun shot wounds and were taken to hospital.
A case of murder, attempted murder with two counts and arson is opened for further investigations. The SAPS and JMPD are on the scene to monitor the situation which is suspected to be taxi violence related.
MEC Diale-Tlabela Condemns Violence at Maponya Mall
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has strongly condemned the violent incident at Maponya Mall in Soweto on Wednesday, 13 August 2025 which claimed the life of one person and left two others injured.
According to preliminary reports, the incident is allegedly linked to tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.
MEC Diale-Tlabela described the attack as “senseless, unacceptable, and a direct threat to the safety and stability of our public transport system.”
“No grievance or commercial dispute justifies the taking of a life or putting innocent people at risk. Violence of this nature undermines public safety, tarnishes the image of our transport sector, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela.
The MEC has called on law enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to book.
She further urged both taxi associations and e-hailing operators to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue facilitated by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport .
The MEC sends her deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.
