Soweto mall reopens amid heavy security following e-hailing attack

By Johnathan Paoli

Maponya Mall in Soweto has resumed normal operations just two days after a fatal shooting outside its premises that claimed the life of an e-hailing driver, which sparked community outrage and renewed calls for urgent action against transport-related violence.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed on Friday that all roads were open and “police officials will continue to monitor the situation, which remains calm”.

“The roads are currently open for traffic following a closure yesterday, and the mall is operating. Police officials will continue to monitor the situation.”

The incident, believed to be linked to long-standing tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, also left another driver and a passerby injured, while two vehicles were torched.

The murder prompted a shutdown of the mall on Thursday as protesting residents demanded a seven-day closure both as a mourning period and as a push for stronger