Two E-Hailing Drivers Shot In KwaDabeka, KZN MEC Siboniso Duma Vows Crackdown

Two e-hailing drivers were shot and wounded in KwaDabeka, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday. The incident was confirmed by KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma, who condemned the violence and promised swift action.

“The Dabeka shooting will unfortunately reopen healing wounds of relatives of the late e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Mvelase,” said Duma.

The attack has raised fresh concerns over tensions between e-hailing operators and the taxi industry.

MEC Duma Vows Strong Action With Police

Duma said his department is working closely with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to restore peace and stability in the transport sector.

“Over the past few minutes, we have been in touch with the leadership of the KZN e-Hailing Council. The leadership has offered to work with me and other key stakeholders to ensure that we do not see more bloodshed and the escalation of conflict,” he said.

He added that Operation Shanela, under the Provincial Regulatory Entity, has been instructed to collaborate with law enforcement to prevent incidents similar to those seen at Maponya Mall in Soweto.

Push for Safer Co-Existence in the Transport Sector

Duma stressed that both taxi and e-hailing drivers play a critical role in South Africa’s public transport system. He said the department is committed to ensuring co-existence between the two industries.

“These drivers are the backbone of the public transport system. As the department, we want to ensure that they all enjoy access to socio-economic opportunities,” he explained.

The MEC also acknowledged confusion around routes and permits for e-hailing drivers, including Uber and Bolt.

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To address this, he confirmed that regular meetings are ongoing between the KZN e-Hailing Council, Uber, Bolt, and the Provincial Regulatory Entity until new regulations under the amended National Land Transport Amendment (NLTA) Act are implemented.

“The meeting between myself, KZN e-Hailing Council, and PRE will ensure that we reflect on the state of readiness for the implementation of the e-hailing industry encompassing Uber and Bolt drivers. We want to do what is in the interest of e-hailing operators, the taxi industry, and the public at large,” Duma said.

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