15 people taken in for questioning in connection with altercation between e-hailing drivers, taxi operators in KZN

DURBAN - Fifteen people have been taken in for questioning following an altercation involving e-hailing drivers and taxi operators at KK Section in KwaDabeka township in the west of Durban on Wednesday.

This allegedly led to the assault and shooting of two drivers.

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The incident comes two weeks after e-hailing driver, Mthokozisi Mvelase, was killed in Soweto.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda said that taxi owners were in police custody.

"Police responded to reports of a gunshot and when they arrived on Zaza Road, it was then established that a group of taxi owners and taxi drivers allegedly approached e-hailing drivers who had parked their vehicles on the side of the road and demanded that they move their vehicles. It was also reported that during the altercation, a firearm was discharged, and a bullet went through the passenger door of one of the e-hailing vehicles, with the driver inside the vehicle. Another e-hailing driver was also reportedly assaulted during the commotion."

He said the police also recovered firearms.

"Eight licenced firearms were seized from the house of one taxi owner, and he will be charged for failure to safeguard firearms in accordance with the Firearms Control Act. Four more firearms were also removed from their owners, and all 12 firearms will be taken for ballistic analysis."

Police said that for now, the situation in the area was calm.