Crackdown on violence against e-hailing drivers in KwaZulu-Natal

In response to Wednesday's attack where shots were fired at e-hailing drivers in Durban by individuals believed to be linked to taxi-industry, police's swift crackdown yielded the arrest of 15 suspects.

The attack on the e-hailing drivers occurred in KK-Section of KwaDabeka, near Pinetown, and the intervention from the police also resulted in the discovery of a cache of weapons at the home of one of the suspects.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements teamed up with the SAPS to effect the crackdown in response to the simmering tensions between the province's taxi drivers and e-hailing services, which is akin to a turf war.

The latest violent confrontations in KwaDabeka shifted the partnership into gear.

MEC of the department, Siboniso Duma, expressed his commitment to supporting law enforcement efforts that would ensure harmonious relations between taxi-operators and e-hailing personnel.

“On Wednesday, I offered to work with KZN Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to ensure that the unfortunate scenes we witnessed in Maponya Mall are not repeated in KwaZulu-Natal,”

Duma said, ongoing investigations led to the arrest of more than 10 suspects in connection with a shooting and assault on e-hailing drivers in KK-Section.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda detailed that their officers responded to reports of gunfire on Zaza Road, where taxi owners and drivers confronted parked e-hailing drivers, demanding that they vacate the area.

"During the altercation, a firearm was discharged and the resulting shot flew through the door of an e-hailing services vehicle, with the driver seated inside. Another e-hailing driver was also assaulted during the chaotic scene,” Netshiunda said.

Since the incident, law enforcement conducted a series of operations that led to the arrest of 15 individuals believed to have been involved in the assault.

The operations netted 12 firearms in total, eight of which were seized at the home of one of those who were arrested.

"The owner is now facing charges related to failing to secure firearms as mandated by the Firearms Control Act. All 12 firearms recovered from these operations will undergo ballistic analysis,” added Netshiunda.

IOL reported that Mhlengi Gumede was one of the e-hailing drivers who narrowly escaped unharmed after the attack in KwaDabeka.

He described how while awaiting for passengers, he and other drivers found themselves under attack from taxi owners who demanded they leave their parking spot.

“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,” Gumede revealed, which highlighted the pervasive fear among drivers.

MEC Duma said it was his department's resolve to promote coexistence between e-hailing services and traditional taxi operators for the benefit of commuters and public safety.

“It is clear we must work hand in hand with both communities to ensure safety on our roads,” Duma asserted.

DAILY NEWS