WATCH: Soweto residents clash with taxi operators
They demand answers following the murder of a young woman allegedly in the hands of a taxi driver.
Heightened tensions flared up between the Soweto Taxi Services (STS) and the family and friends of slain Mpho Msauli who closed down the roads between Mapetla and Phiri in a fury of anger.
The residents shut down the streets with rubble, voicing their frustrations after the arrested person linked to the murder of Msauli did not appear at the Protea Magistrates Court on Monday.
It is understood that the lawyer requested the matter be postponed to Tuesday, August 15.
Refiloe Tshabalala, Sister to the deceased said they would not stop until justice was served for Mpho.
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“We are hurt and deeply saddened. We were shocked to hear that the person who was arrested did not show up and that the lawyer asked the matter to be postponed to tomorrow.
“We were hoping that we would get an idea why they killed her in that manner. That is why we are closing the road.
“This tells us that the association itself is the one paying for the lawyer, which means they are protecting them.
“This is where they make their money. Hence, we are closing it down so they can lose money,” said Tshabalala.
However, the STS members did not take kindly to the picketing residents, forcefully demanding the roads to be opened for taxis to operate.
“We are not here to fight anyone, but we are removing the rocks from the road so that our taxis can operate. We are not against their outcry, but we question why the road is being closed.
“We are also saddened about what happened to the young woman and we understand the loss of a loved one but what we are asking is that they let us carry on with carrying out our service without disruptions,” said association member, Vincent Ndamane.
The 26-year-old was gunned down in a hail of bullets earlier last month by a man driving in a quantum who was making advances at her. He allegedly fired shots at Msaul and her friends after she expressed her lack of interest in the accused.
The man was traveling in a quantum, believed to be that of the STS association.
Resident, Nomasonto Phungwayo said, “It is terrifying that we are being killed as women. We are not safe anywhere.
“Why are we being killed? What have we done? These are the same men who are supposed to be protecting us.”
