JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- The South African Department of Transport on Thursday condemned the fatal shooting of an e-hailing driver in Soweto, Johannesburg, saying that such criminal behavior has no place in the public transport sector.
On Wednesday night, four attackers opened fire on e-hailing drivers and vehicles outside Maponya Mall, killing one person and injuring two others.
Although the suspects are unknown, reports indicate that the attack is linked to long-standing tensions between South Africa's traditional minibus taxi industry and newer e-hailing platforms, with the former often opposing competition through violent means.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said that during an April meeting between the government and the taxi industry, both sides agreed to establish a joint task team to fast-track the digitization of operating license issuance and tackle route encroachments, a key driver of taxi violence.
The department said it is working to address systemic challenges in the sector, noting that President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed into law the National Land Transport Amendment Act and the Transport Appeal Tribunal Amendment Act, which introduce key regulatory reforms.
The regulations have been approved, now awaiting the second official language translation for gazetting and implementation of the Amendment Act. This will usher in a new era in the regulation of the e-hailing services, the department said.
In the wake of Wednesday's attack, angry residents took to the streets on Thursday, blocking minibus taxis from loading passengers. The department also urged Maponya Mall management to enhance safety measures for passengers using e-hailing services. ■