WATCH: Gauteng transport MEC condemns attacks on e-hailing drivers

Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has condemned the attacks on e-hailing drivers and burning of cars at Maponya Mall in Soweto.

This comes after an alleged confrontation between minibus taxi drivers and e-hailing drivers on Thursday.

It is alleged that minibus taxi drivers attacked e-hailing operators Uber and Bolt drivers and burnt three vehicles and damaged four others at Maponya Mall parking area.

Diale-Tlabela said two of the burned vehicles are said to have belonged to an e-hailing operator while one belonged to a private person.

Watch the video of the torched e-hailing vehicles at Maponya Mall

Attacks condemned

She said three people were rushed to hospital following the incident with one of them having sustained injuries following a shooting allegedly by minibus taxi drivers.

“We would like to strongly condemn these senseless attacks on individuals and damage to vehicles. These acts are unacceptable and must be dealt with harshly. We will not be deterred from building an integrated and modernised public transport system by individuals who use intimidation and violence to put their message across.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Uber and Bolt e-hailing cabs torched in Soweto

“We wish those injured a speedy recovery and call on law enforcement officials to work around the clock to apprehend those who were involved in these barbaric attacks. They should face the full might of the law,” said Diale-Tlabela.

Taxi violence

The MEC added that the Department of Roads and Transport has made significant strides to root out violence in the public transport sector following the 2019 Gauteng Taxi Summit and in line with the recommendations of the Taxi Violence Commission.

“Following the recommendations of the Taxi Violence Commission, amendments were made to the Gauteng Public Transport Regulations Entity 2011, to introduce Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism within the public transport service industry, putting government at the forefront in resolving taxi disputes and promoting stability in the province.

“We call on all public transport operators to make use of the Arbitration Office to resolve their disputes,” said Diale-Tlabela.

Investigations

Police spokeperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said they are investigating a case of attempted murder and malicious damage to property following the attacks.

Masondo said no suspects have been arrested.

“The police will maintain a presence in the area to ensure stability and safety for the commuters,” he said

ALSO READ: WATCH: Woman shot in apparent hit near Cape Town court