Durban Taxi Bosses’ Clash With E-Hailing Drivers Becomes Violent As Driver Shot
- The war between the taxi and e-hailing industries intensified with another incident of violence in KwaZulu-Natal
- A taxi boss reportedly clashed with e-hailing drivers over operating licenses, and the incident became violent as one driver was shot
- South Africans condemned the incident and called on the South African Police Service and the government to take action against the taxi industry
Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, covered a range of criminal activities, including cash-in-transit heists, kidnappings, taxi violence, police investigations, police shootouts, and court cases at Daily Sun for over three years.
Source: Getty Images
DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL — An e-hailing driver was shot after clashes between taxi owners and e-hailing drivers erupted in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on 27 August 2025.
Vehicle Trackers posted a video on its @VehicleTracker8 X account. The incident reportedly happened in Clermont, west of Durban, over operating licenses. One of the e-hailing drivers was reportedly shot and rushed to the hospital during the conflict.
In the video, a group of men is gathered around the vehicle of the e-hailing driver. A bullet struck the side of the door, and one of the bystanders remarked that the bullet went through the door. He instructs other witnesses not to touch the bullet.
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Recent similar incidents of taxi violence
Two e-hailing drivers were shot and assaulted, allegedly by operators in KwaDabeka on 27 August. The province's transport MEC Sbniso Duma confirmed the incident, which was reported to the South African Police Service.
The incident followed the horrific killing of Mthokozisi Mvelase, who was scorched to death in his vehicle, and two others were injured at Maponya Mall in Soweto, Johannesburg, on 13 August. Mvelase's death sparked protests in the area as residents demanded that the government take action against taxi drivers and owners allegedly targeting e-hailing drivers.
Source: Getty Images
South Africans gatvol with taxi industry
Netizens commenting on X fumed against the tsxi industry.
Bronx asked:
"When will this government act against the taxi mafia? Never did and never will."
Umzulu Phaqa said:
"The taxi industry must be closed completely, and people must start using buses and trains. Government needs to act fast on this."
Bongolee said:
"This industry is out of control, and our so-called president is busy with 'we need to ask ourselves why.' I don't remember him addressing this situation, or maybe he owns taxis also."
Castle Lager said:
"We need the General to intervene now. This is seriously out of control."
Lebohang said:
"It's only a matter of time before we witness a bloodbath horror show on our roads because of these taxi thugs. People will retaliate, and only then will law enforcement come into play."
E-hailing driver survives robbery
In a related article, Briefly News reported that an e-hailing driver was robbed and escaped with his life after the robber pulled out a gun. The incident happened on 27 August 2025.
A video of the incident went viral, and it shows how the robbery unfolded. The diver dropped off a passenger, and the robber immediately entered the vehicle. However, the diver managed to escape.
SANTACO dismisses Gauteng shutdown claims as Ekurhuleni strike leaves commuters stranded
Briefly News reported that the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has denied allegations that its members have embarked on a shutdown in Gauteng. This was after SANTACO embarked on a strike in Ekurhuleni on 28 August 2025, which left thousands of commuters stranded.
In a statement, SANTACO released on 28 August, the body said that the services in Ekurhuleni were halted because the City of Ekurhuleni impounded its members' taxis. The municipality's Transport Department reportedly impounded 17 taxis for various offences, including unroadworthy vehicles. In response to the impounding, SANTACO members refused to provide services. The strike has also affected bus services, including the Harambee Bus services, which have been suspended.
SANTACO also said that commuters across the province can continue to rely on transportation as the strike is limited only to Ekurhuleni. SANTASCO said that its provincial and national leadership are in talks with the Gauteng Provincial Government and the National Department of Transport to resolve the issues.
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Source: Briefly News
