Maponya Mall E-Hailing Attack Leaves One Dead, Two Injured In Suspected Taxi Violence

A violent attack at Maponya Mall in Soweto on Wednesday evening left one person dead and two others injured, after e-hailing vehicles were shot at and set on fire. Gauteng police confirmed that a murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson are under investigation.

Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the first attack happened when an e-hailing vehicle stopped at the mall’s entrance. “About four men approached the driver and shot at him before torching the vehicle,” she said. The driver died at the scene.

Second Vehicle Torched In Maponya Mall, Bystander Wounded

Moments later, another e-hailing vehicle nearby came under fire. The driver managed to escape, but his vehicle was also set alight. “It was later discovered that the driver and a passer-by sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital,” Nevhuhulwi said.

The suspects remain unknown, and the motive for the attack is still unclear. However, authorities suspect it may be linked to ongoing taxi violence in the province. The SA Police Service and Johannesburg metro police were deployed to the scene to maintain order.

Panic broke out at Maponya Mall this evening, as taxi drivers allegedly set Uber vehicles on fire.

Shoppers ran for safety, while authorities investigated the scene. No injuries have been confirmed. pic.twitter.com/wCmNDdpmHi

— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) August 13, 2025

Officials Condemn ‘Senseless and Unacceptable’ Violence

Gauteng transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela condemned the attack, calling it “senseless and unacceptable.”

“No grievance or commercial dispute justifies the taking of a life or putting innocent people at risk. Violence of this nature undermines public safety, tarnishes the image of our transport sector, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” she said.

She urged taxi associations and e-hailing operators to resolve their disputes through peaceful dialogue, with the Gauteng department of roads and transport offering to facilitate talks.

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