Soweto residents demand action over transport turf wars

By Charmaine Ndlela and Lebone Rodah Mosima

The situation remains tense in Soweto following a protest by residents on Thursday over disputes between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, which is believed to be the reason for a shootout at Maponya Mall that claimed the life of an e-hailing driver. A passer-by was wounded in the attack.

Two e-hailing cars were torched on Wednesday and Gauteng police confirmed that a taxi was set alight in Pimville on Thursday.

Angry residents took to the streets and blocked the entrance of the mall, saying they do not want taxi drivers to operate in the mall. They are demanding that they move from the mall within seven days.

They are also threatening to shut down the mall for seven days until its management comes up with a solution to protect shoppers, e-hailing drivers and everyone who visits the centre.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and