15 Taxi Operators Detained After Violent Altercation
By nkosana khumalo
15 taxi operators have been detained following a violent altercation with e-hailing drivers in KwaDabeka, where two drivers were attacked, one surviving a gunshot that pierced his vehicle door and another suffering head injuries from an assault. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, 27 August 2025, on Zaza Road in the KK Section of the township near Pinetown, west of Durban, has reignited fears of escalating tensions between the taxi industry and e-hailing services in KwaZulu-Natal.
Details of the Incident
The clash began when a group of e-hailing drivers parked their vehicles on the side of the road while waiting for passengers. They were approached by minibus taxi operators who demanded they move their cars, claiming the area was reserved for taxi operations. What started as a verbal dispute quickly turned violent.
Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda described the events: “It was also reported that during the altercation, a firearm was discharged, and a bullet went through the passenger door of one of the e-hailing vehicles with the driver inside the vehicle. Another e-hailing driver was also reportedly assaulted during the commotion.”
One of the victims, identified as Uber driver Mhlengi Gumede, was inside his car when the bullet struck the passenger door but fortunately missed him. He survived the ordeal unharmed physically but traumatised. The second driver sustained head injuries from the assault and required medical treatment. Both victims reported the matter to the KwaDabeka Police Station, supported by the KZN e-Hailing Council.
Eyewitness accounts and social media videos circulating online show a chaotic scene with a crowd gathered around the damaged vehicle, pointing out the bullet hole and warning others not to touch evidence. The attack is believed to stem from disputes over operating territories and customer bases, with taxi operators accusing e-hailing services like Uber and Bolt of encroaching on their routes without proper permits.
Police Response and Arrests
“Police followed up information from Wednesday night through to Thursday morning.” In a swift operation on Thursday, 28 August 2025, law enforcement descended on the KK Hostel in KwaDabeka. This joint effort involved the South African Police Service, Metro Police, and the provincial regulatory entity under Operation Shanela.
Fifteen taxi drivers and owners who were allegedly part of the group that reportedly attacked e-hailing drivers were taken to the police station. Among them, a taxi owner accused of assault later handed himself over to investigators, accompanied by his legal representatives.
During searches, eight licensed guns were seized from a taxi owner’s home. Police say he’ll be charged for failing to safeguard them. Four more firearms were also confiscated, with all 12 sent for ballistic testing to determine if they link to this or other crimes.
Netshiunda confirmed the arrests were in connection with attempted murder and assault charges. The operation aimed to prevent further violence and gather evidence from the suspects.
Official Statements and Interventions
“The situation is calm in KwaDabeka and police will maintain necessary visibility to restore order, peace and stability. Police will endeavour to convene a meeting between the taxi industry and e-hailing services to reach a consensus.”
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma commended the police action, particularly praising Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and his team for their decisiveness. Duma stated: “Nothing should come between us and prosperity. The shooting and assault of e-hailing drivers yesterday should not be repeated in any part of KwaZulu-Natal.”
He added that the department has been holding regular meetings since January 2025 with the KZN e-Hailing Council, Uber, and Bolt representatives to address confusion over routes and permits. These discussions will continue until new regulations under the amended National Land Transport Act are implemented. Duma emphasised commitment to co-existence: “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.”
The MEC has instructed Operation Shanela to work with law enforcement to avoid repeats of similar incidents. He also reached out to the KZN e-Hailing Council leadership, who offered to collaborate in preventing more bloodshed.
The South African National Taxi Council has previously condemned such violence, with its president Motlhabane Tsebe describing attacks as “inhumane, criminal and unacceptable” and blaming criminal elements infiltrating the industry. The council offered support to the family of a recently slain e-hailing driver in a related case.
Background on Ongoing Tensions
This incident is part of a broader pattern of conflict between the taxi industry and e-hailing services in South Africa. Taxi operators often view e-hailing drivers as threats to their livelihoods, leading to turf wars over passengers and routes. In KwaZulu-Natal, such disputes have historically involved harassment, extortion, and violence.
Just two weeks prior, on 13 August 2025, 27-year-old e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Mvelase was brutally murdered outside Maponya Mall in Soweto, Gauteng. He was shot and his vehicle set alight while he was still inside, with two others injured in the attack believed to be taxi-related. The incident sparked national outrage and retaliation, including the burning of a taxi in Pimville. No arrests have been made in that case yet.
Duma noted that the KwaDabeka shooting would “unfortunately re-open healing wounds of relatives of the late e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Mvelase.” Similar concerns have been raised about escalating violence if not addressed promptly.
Experts point out that the e-hailing sector, valued at billions of rands, has revolutionised public transport but lacks clear regulations in some areas, fueling misunderstandings. Pending legislation aims to ease hostility by clarifying operating rules, but minibus taxi operators must adapt to changing times
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