Angry e-hailing drivers blame Gauteng Transport Dept for Maponya Mall attack
Last week, the victim - Mthokozisi Mvelase - was shot and killed before his and another e-hailing vehicle were set alight.
The Gauteng Roads and Transport Department is confident it will resolve tension following the tragic killing of an e-hailing driver outside Maponya Mall in Soweto. Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Angry e-hailing drivers protesting in Johannesburg are blaming the provincial transport department for an attack that claimed another driver’s life at Maponya Mall in Soweto.
Last week, the victim was shot and killed before his and another e-hailing vehicle were set alight.
The demonstrators have accused the department of failing to address their concerns, including their safety and that of commuters.
They allege their cries have fallen on deaf ears, leading to increased violent attacks allegedly at the hands of competing taxi operators.
ALSO READ: Soweto residents angered, frustrated in wake of deadly Maponya Mall attack
E-hailing operators are currently at the Department of Transport’s offices to hand over a long memorandum of demands.
They have accused the MEC of failing to deploy a taxi violence task team in the province for their safety.
In the latest incident, an e-hailing driver was shot and killed outside Maponya Mall last week.
E-hailing partners council chairperson Henry Mathebula said the victim, Mthokozisi Mvelase’s death could have been avoided.
“They are sitting here with the taxi violence task team, who have been put to deal with these issues. Maponya mall would have not happened if ever the department and the MEC would have done the right thing.”
Mathebula added that the sector is in desperate need of regulation to mitigate bullying by other public transport operators.
GAUTENG TRANSPORT MEC RESPONDS
Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has promised to address the issues raised by protesting e-hailing operators.
While safety is a top priority for drivers following a deadly attack at Maponya Mall, they have also reiterated their call for a fair price split with e-hailing companies.
She received the demands and promised to address them as a matter of urgency.
“So, we are in the process of operationalising TAG [Transport Authority of Gauteng]. By making sure that it has all the necessary employees that will help us take not only the things that you are complaining about here, but also the future of public transport in Gauteng.”