A tragic shooting incident outside the bustling Maponya Mall on Wednesday evening has brought heightened police activity to the area, amid mounting fears of taxi-related violence.
The police confirmed that the shooting left one person dead and two others injured when they were caught in the crossfire from unidentified gunmen targeting e-hailing vehicles.
According to preliminary reports, four heavily armed men approached the driver and opened fire before subsequently setting the vehicle ablaze. It is also revealed that a nearby e-hailing vehicle also became a target; fortunately, its driver managed to flee, although the vehicle too succumbed to flames.
As the chaos ensued, it was confirmed that both the driver and a passerby were injured by gunfire and were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
In response to the violent outbreak, local authorities have opened cases of murder, two counts of attempted murder and arson.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) have since escalated their presence in the vicinity to ensure the safety of residents and shoppers alike.
Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, the Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety, has indicated that several specialised units, including Public Order Policing, the Taxi Violence Unit, and the Tactical Response Unit, are on site to avert any further violence.
Tshwaku says while the investigations are ongoing, the motive remains unclear, although authorities have not dismissed the possibility that tensions within the taxi industry contributed to this violent episode.
“The motive for the killings is still unknown. The JMPD units, including Pops, Taxi Violenceunit, and TRU, are on the scene, securing the area and preventing further violence, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are attending to the injured. The investigations have started to determine the motive and find those responsible, and further efforts are being made to protect commuters and businesses in the area.”
The Congress of the People (COPE) in Gauteng has also expressed condemnation of the violence, labelling it a stark reminder of the government's failure in regulating the taxi sector.
COPE Provincial Chairperson Tom Mofokeng articulated concerns about the escalating confrontations between traditional taxi operators and e-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt.
Mofokeng stated, “In response, rogue taxi drivers have resorted to violence, intimidation, and even the loss of life, infringing on people’s constitutional right to freedom of movement. This violence undermines livelihoods, damages the economy, and disrupts communities. Senseless statements from government are meaningless without decisive action.”
In light of the events, COPE has called for the establishment of a multidisciplinary task force involving police, transport officials, and community representatives. This initiative aims to enforce existing regulations and thoroughly investigate incidents of violence.
The party reveals that it also intends to collaborate with e-hailing companies to ensure their integration into a secure and regulated transport system while advocating for the expedited implementation of the National Land Transport Transition Act to formalise the industry.
As police investigations continue into the Maponya Mall shooting, security forces maintain a visible presence to protect both commuters and local businesses.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star