Gauteng taxi violence: 59 people killed since January

At least 59 people have been killed since the beginning of this year in Gauteng as the province battles the scourge of taxi violence.

In the latest incident, three men were shot dead at Zulu Drive and Nape at Mofolo, Soweto, on Monday, 7 April 2025.

It is alleged that shots were fired from a grey silver vehicle at the other vehicle, a Toyota corolla, killing three men. The victims all belong to a taxi association.

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Last month, a group of armed men went to a taxi rank in Doornfontein in the Jeppe policing precinct and started shooting randomly.

Four people were declared dead on the scene, while three were taken to the hospital with injuries.

On 19 March, there was also a shooting incident at Zonkizizwe taxi rank, which claimed the lives of three people.

It is reported that unknown people driving a white BMW randomly shot at bystanders at the rank. The deceased were identified as taxi drivers, and two passengers were injured and taken to the hospital.

Gauteng taxi violence

On Friday, the Gauteng Provincial Government, the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance and the South African National Taxi Council reached an agreement to end the scourge of taxi violence in the province.

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MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, led a meeting with key taxi industry stakeholders to address the violence.

“Key agreements from the meeting include an immediate ceasefire and a commitment to dialogue by all affected taxi associations. They must now engage in mediation talks and submit a progress report to the MEC by 29 April 2025,” said the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and the Portfolio Committee on Transport & Logistics on Sunday.

“A dedicated Conflict Resolution Committee comprising affected taxi associations will be established, convening only under the supervision of the MEC to ensure transparency and accountability in resolving disputes, particularly over contested routes.”

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The committees said they would closely monitor the implementation of these resolutions, hold government and the taxi industry accountable for delivering lasting peace and conduct follow-up engagements with the MEC and stakeholders to assess progress.

“We urge taxi associations to honor the ceasefire and engage in good faith, commuters and communities to report threats to law enforcement, and all stakeholders to work collectively toward a safer, conflict-free transport sector.”