The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Gauteng has condemned the violent attack on e-hailing drivers outside Maponya Mall, which left one person dead and two others injured, including a bystander caught in the crossfire.
According to eyewitness reports, four armed men targeted two e-hailing vehicles on the night of the attack, opening fire on a driver and setting both cars alight near the mall entrance. The brutal incident has triggered public outrage and renewed tensions between the taxi and e-hailing sectors.
In a strongly worded statement, SANTACO Gauteng distanced the taxi industry from the violence, warning against “unfounded accusations” linking taxi associations to the attack. The council urged South Africans to allow law enforcement to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wish those injured a full recovery,” SANTACO said. “We reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence and the safety of all transport users.”
The organization reiterated its support for dialogue and peaceful solutions, adding that any form of violence—regardless of motive—undermines efforts to build a safe and cooperative transport system.
With police investigations ongoing and public fear mounting, SANTACO’s response is seen as a critical step in managing perceptions and maintaining order in an already volatile sector.
