In response to recent incidents of violence and arson targeting Bolt and Uber vehicles, a temporary ban on e-hailing services has been imposed at malls in Soweto until further notice.
Why is e-hailing banned at Soweto malls?
As reported by Jaca News, the decision was made during a meeting held on Wednesday, which was attended by notable figures including Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku, Transport MMC Kenny Kunene, law enforcement representatives, Soweto taxi associations, and representatives from various e-hailing platforms.
The primary objective of the meeting was to seek a resolution to the escalating conflicts between the taxi associations and e-hailing services in the area.
Troubling reports of an e-hailing cab being set on fire at Protea Glen Mall on Tuesday, 6 June 2023, and three e-hailing vehicles being burned at Maponya Mall in Soweto last week prompted the urgent need for action.
Gauteng police have initiated investigations into these incidents of arson.
Phelelani Sindani, the councillor for Ward 135, expressed their commitment to addressing the issue of unregistered Bolt and Uber drivers. Sindani stated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) would deploy officers to the malls to prevent further confrontations and to identify unregistered drivers associated with the e-hailing services.
No specific timeline has been provided regarding the restriction on Bolt and Uber drivers picking up passengers within the malls, but the ban will remain in place until further notice.
Residents of Soweto have also raised their concerns and emphasized the importance of their inclusion in discussions and decision-making processes concerning the ongoing e-hailing and taxi disputes.
Recognising the significance of public input, the committee plans to convene once again on Friday, 9 June 2023, to further address these matters and seek viable solutions.