KwaZulu-Natal police have taken 15 people linked to the taxi industry in for questioning following a brazen shooting of e-hailing drivers in KwaDabeka, Clermont, west of Durban.
Among the victims was Uber driver Mhlengi Gumede, who survived the shooting.
The suspects, allegedly linked to the taxi industry, were arrested on Thursday morning, 28 August 2025, after the incident occurred the previous day.
POLICE MAKE ARREST AFTER THE SHOOTING OF THE E-HAILING DRIVERS
The arrests stemmed from a coordinated operation led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), in partnership with Metro Police and other provincial law enforcement agencies in KZN.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed: “Police in KwaZulu-Natal have taken in fifteen (15) people for questioning in connection with the altercation between e-hailing drivers and taxi owners and drivers, which resulted in the attempted murder of one e-hailing driver and the assault of another in KwaDabeka on Wednesday morning, 27 August 2025.”
He added that one taxi owner, suspected of assaulting an e-hailing driver, voluntarily presented himself to police, accompanied by legal representatives.
WHY ARE TAXI OWNERS FEUDING WITH E-HAILING DRIVERS?
The long-standing feud between e-hailing drivers and traditional taxi operators, triggered by territorial disputes and competition for passengers, has heightened in recent months, raising serious safety concerns.
According to Netshiunda, police responded to reports of gunfire on Zaza Road in KwaDabeka.
Upon arrival, officers found that a group of taxi owners and drivers had allegedly confronted e-hailing drivers parked along the roadside, demanding they leave the area.
“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,” Netshiunda said.
HOW THE POLICE CARRIED OUT THE ARRESTS
Following the incident, police launched a covert investigation and moved swiftly to detain the suspects.
He also revealed that eight licensed firearms were seized from the home of one taxi owner, who will face charges under the Firearms Control Act for failing to properly secure the weapons.
An additional four firearms were confiscated from other individuals. All 12 weapons will undergo ballistic testing.
Netshiunda assured the public that the police are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the province.
This latest incident has further rattled South Africa’s multi-billion rand e-hailing sector, which includes major platforms such as Bolt and Uber. It follows the tragic killing of e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Mvelase in Pimville, Soweto, on 13 August 2025.
Mvelase was shot and his vehicle was set alight outside Maponya Mall while he was still inside. Two other drivers were injured in the same attack, which is believed to be linked to ongoing tensions between taxi associations and e-hailing services.
TRANSPORT MEC REACTS TO THE ARRESTS
Reacting to the arrests, Transport MEC Siboniso Duma praised law enforcement:
“We commend Provincial Police Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, his team, our Provincial Regulatory Entity, and Metro Police for their swift and decisive action.”
He added, “Their efforts have helped restore peace and stability in KK Section, in the interest of the law-abiding people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Meanwhile, South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) President Motlhabane Abner Tsebe condemned the Maponya Mall attack, calling it “inhumane, criminal, and unacceptable.”
WHAT SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT DO TO EASE TENSIONS BETWEEN E-HAILING AND THE TAXI INDUSTRY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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