Some Soweto community leaders say there are no plans to cause disruptions in wake of Maponya Mall shootings
Community leader Mmeli Gebashe said they would hold off on protests but only if government and management at Maponya Mall stepped in.
Soweto residents blocked roads with rocks near the Maponya Mall on 14 August 2025 after an e-hailing driver was killed at the mall on 13 August 2025. Picture: Jabulile Mbatha/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Some community leaders in Soweto say there are no plans to cause disruptions around the area on Monday after tensions reached boiling point when an e-hailing driver was brutally murdered outside the Maponya Mall last week.
A passerby and another e-hailing driver also sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
Residents in Pimville and surrounding areas forced the mall to shut down after the incident, accusing mall management of doing little to create a safe space for shoppers and locals.
They also believe that government has failed to find lasting solutions to the long-running disputes between taxis and e-hailing drivers that have put drivers, passengers and the public at risk.
Community leader Mmeli Gebashe said they would hold off on protests but only if government and management at Maponya Mall stepped in.
"There must be reparations for the families of the victims, and there must be measures put in place by the mall and by the government. Any of those things are not done, we really can't guarantee peace in the streets because, obviously, there wouldn't be an amicable solution to these incidents and in this conflict."