E-Hailing conflict in KZN tackled at meeting led by MEC Duma
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has welcomed positive developments in KK Section, KwaDabeka, following recent incidents of shootings and assaults targeting e-hailing drivers.
“We wish to pay tribute to e-hailing drivers, taxi drivers, and taxi operators from KwaDabeka and Clermont Taxi Association for their commitment towards ensuring peace and stability in the area,” Duma said.
A meeting, facilitated by the SAPS and held at KwaDabeka Police Station, saw the participation of the department’s Public Regulatory Entity (PRE).
The session reached several key agreements aimed at stabilising the public transport sector:
Harmonising relations and ensuring co-existence between e-hailing drivers, taxi operators, and taxi drivers.
Working collaboratively to achieve long-lasting solutions for peace and stability within KwaDabeka and Clermont.
Enforcing traffic laws to strengthen the transport system and ensure safety.
Secretary General of the KZN e-Hailing Council Sthembiso Khayezi expressed his appreciation to the MEC together with Mkhwanazi for resolving the conflict.
“This was a much- needed talk in the area and we hope what we spoke about in the meeting will pave the way for peace and harmony in the community. We also thank Duma for stepping when he is required,” Khayezi said.
He pleaded with Duma to sort out operational regulations so that e-hailing drivers know where they can work.
“We thank the Police Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for deploying the National Intervention Unit to ensure stability in the area. We have agreed to work together to stabilise other areas where there are harassment and extortion of e-hailing drivers by criminal elements,” Duma added.
He further stressed the government’s commitment to supporting transport operators beyond safety measures. “We want e-hailing drivers and taxi drivers to live comfortably and have access to our housing schemes such as the First Home Buyer scheme for households with an income of between R3,000 and R22,000.”
E-hailing driver, Mhlengi Gumede, recounted how he survived a shooting incident this week that left two drivers shot and injured. Gumede said he was at the scene of the attack and narrowly escaped unharmed.
“We weren’t fighting with them or anything. We went and parked across the road. They followed us and kept assaulting us, telling us to leave.
“They acted like they were about to rob us. All of a sudden, I heard gunshots, and we ran. A bullet hit my car. This is scary because three months ago, my brother who was also an e-hailing driver, was killed,” he said.
KwaZulu-Natal police took in 15 suspects for questioning in connection with the incident, according to SAPS police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
Netshiunda said police responded to reports of a gunshot, and when they arrived on Zaza Road, they discovered that a group of taxi owners and drivers had approached e-hailing drivers who had parked their vehicles on the side of the road and requested that they relocate them.
“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,” he said.
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