Calm has returned to Maponya Mall in Soweto, where police continue to maintain a visible presence following the brutal killing of e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Mvelase, 27.
On Friday morning, a private helicopter was spotted hovering over the mall as police and metro officers manned the entrances. Shops remained open, despite earlier calls from some community members to shut down the centre until their grievances were addressed. Both e-hailing vehicles and minibus taxis were seen operating in and out of the mall precinct, albeit under tight security.
The heightened tensions stem from Wednesday night’s violent incident in which Mvelase was shot, and his body was set alight inside his car outside the mall — an act that has shocked residents and reignited concerns over the deadly rivalry between e-hailing operators and taxi drivers.
Family members say they are still searching for answers about what led to Mvelase’s murder. He had only been working as an e-hailing driver for three days after years of unemployment. Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, Mvelase had moved to Johannesburg just two weeks earlier, full of hope that the job would help him support his mother and improve his family’s circumstances.
Described by relatives as jovial, humble, and respectful, Mvelase’s short-lived dream has left his family devastated.
“I remember the day he told me, ‘Aunty, I’m finally coming to Johannesburg,’” said his emotional aunt, Zanele Khuzwayo. “He was so happy that he could finally take care of himself and help my mother. He started on Monday, 11 August, and by Wednesday night we got the tragic news. We haven’t even been able to see his body yet because the autopsy is still being done.”
Gauteng police have confirmed that the situation in the area is currently stable, but they will continue monitoring it closely.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a case of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and arson has been opened.
“Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
The killing has drawn widespread condemnation from political parties, taxi associations, e-hailing operator groups, and civil society organisations, all of whom sent condolences to Mvelase’s family.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, met with public transport operators in Soweto on Thursday in a bid to find lasting solutions to tensions in the sector. The meeting brought together local taxi associations, e-hailing service representatives, and law-enforcement officials.
The MEC described the killing as “senseless, unacceptable, and a direct threat to the safety and stability of our public transport system.”
She added: “Such acts undermine public safety, tarnish the image of our transport sector, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”
During the meeting, stakeholders resolved that: Law-enforcement agencies will prioritise the investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice, all public transport operators must be allowed to operate inside the mall without hindrance, the mall will remain operational to protect jobs, a temporary office will be set up by the Department to assist operators with licensing issues, no operator or passenger should be subjected to intimidation or threats, and a broader meeting with industry leaders will be convened to address all outstanding disputes.
The MEC urged the sector — including minibus taxi and e-hailing operator associations — to resolve conflicts through dialogue and official mediation channels rather than violence.
One such platform is the Public Transport Crisis Committee, chaired by the MEC. Initially established to work with the taxi industry and the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE) to clear an operating licence backlog, the committee has since been expanded to include all public transport stakeholders, such as learner transport providers, bus operators, meter taxi drivers, and e-hailing representatives.
Local government and provincial departments are also represented.
As Soweto grapples with yet another episode of public transport-related violence, residents and stakeholders alike are calling for peace. Many fear that without decisive action, tensions between the taxi industry and e-hailing operators could escalate further — with devastating consequences.
For Mvelase’s grieving family, justice and answers are now their only hope.
“Nothing will bring him back,” Khuzwayo said quietly, “but we pray that whoever did this is found, and that no other family has to go through what we are going through.”
