Maponya Mall in Soweto was engulfed in chaos on Thursday night, as a violent altercation unfolded in the parking lot, resulting in multiple e-hailing cabs being attacked.
Were taxi drivers behind the Maponya Mall e-hailing attack?
Disturbing images and videos circulating on social media showcased vehicles set ablaze, and reports indicate that the unrest was instigated by taxi drivers.
According to eNCA, the incident unfolded when taxi drivers allegedly launched an assault on Uber and Bolt drivers at Maponya Mall.
Witnesses reported seeing a crowd attacking the e-hailing vehicles with various objects, leading to the destruction of at least three cars and injuries to the drivers involved.
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In response to the incident, Vhatuka Mbelengwa, a spokesperson for e-hailing services, pointed fingers at the government for its failure to foster a harmonious ecosystem within the transportation industry.
Mbelengwa emphasised that such attacks have been recurring for a decade, attributing them to the absence of effective government interventions that promote cooperation rather than competition among industry participants.
“The violent attacks on Uber and Bolt drivers are a consequence of the government’s failure to intervene. Over the past ten years, there has been a lack of efficient measures to eradicate this violence and ensure the safety of all participants,” Mbelengwa expressed during an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
SANTACO refuses to take blame for the attack
Meanwhile, Bafana Magagula, spokesperson for the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), expressed their condemnation of the violence and called on witnesses to come forward and identify the culprits.
Magagula stressed the need to ascertain whether the attacks were orchestrated by taxi drivers or if they were the actions of hooligans, before offering further comment on the matter.
As investigations continue, the incident at Maponya Mall highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by the transportation industry in establishing a peaceful coexistence between traditional taxis and e-hailing services.
The incident serves as a reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive and effective interventions to ensure the safety and security of all transport operators and passengers alike.