Gauteng Transport MEC to meet with Maponya Mall management and law enforcement in Soweto again

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela is set to meet with the management of Maponya Mall and law enforcement officials in Soweto again on Monday in continued efforts to bring stability to the area.

Last week, an e-hailing driver was shot and burnt inside his car, while two others sustained injuries.

Diale-Tlabela visited the area in the wake of the tragedy, where she said that several resolutions had been taken to restore calm.

She’s expected to return on Monday to reassess the situation.

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The feud between e-hailing drivers and the taxi industry has continued for years, with police and the provincial transport department failing to curb the violence.

In 2023, the MEC promised stern action against perpetrators after a similar incident occurred, although no lives were lost at that time, and committed to finding a long-lasting solution to the feud.

However, the situation has remained volatile.

Speaking at a tense public engagement last week, Diale-Tlablea told the community that resolutions taken included allowing all public transport operators access to operate inside the mall.

"There is no way we can have a mall close for seven days. Other people require this income, and retailers get their salaries on a daily. You must be present at work to earn an income."

Monday's engagement with the mall management is set to be another step in implementing some of the resolutions taken last week.