Angry Soweto residents are threatening to shut down Maponya Mall for seven days until its management comes up with a solution to protect shoppers, e-hailing drivers, and everyone who visits the mall.
The residents have blocked off Chris Hani Road, not allowing anyone in or out of the Mall.
A number of people have been hospitalised following the incident, and two vehicles have been burned. The residents say violence between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers has become unbearable.
Gauteng Police Spokesperson Dimakatso Nevuhulwi says a case of murder, attempted murder and arson has been opened for further investigations.
The suspects are still at large and the SAPS and JMPD are on the scene to monitor the situation.
Maponya Mall
Community leader Thabang Moloi says, “We do not know who is fighting who, and we do not care. What we care about is people’s lives. Our lives here as customers are at risk. Yesterday, a certain old lady who was in the Uber was missed with bullets. Our concern as leaders is that we want Maponya Mall Management to come out and say something. That’s what we want only.”
[WATCH]
E-hailing Spokesperson Vhatuka Mbelengwa says regulating the taxi industry continues to be a challenge for e-hailing service providers. This issue has been highlighted by another shooting at Soweto’s Maponya Mall last night. pic.twitter.com/IINWBUkyZL— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 14, 2025
e-hailing industry
National e-hailing Spokesperson Vhatuka Mbelengwa says the e-hailing industry is committed to serving the community.
This is after one person was burned to death and two others shot and wounded after their vehicles were attacked at Maponya Mall in Soweto on Wednesday night.
Mbelengwa is calling for the government to intervene in the violence between the taxi industry and the e-hailing industry.
National e-hailing Spokesperson Vhatuka Mbelengwa:
