The City of Ekurhuleni on Thursday condemned the fatal shooting of five Benoni Taxi Association (BTA) patrollers and two other transport operators in what authorities have described as a senseless act of violence that threatens efforts to bring stability to Gauteng’s public transport sector.

The shooting occurred on Wednesday evening at the Holfontein off-ramp towards Etwatwa along the N12, claiming the lives of five BTA patrollers, a scholar transport driver and an e-hailing driver.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

MMC for Roads and Transport Management, Councillor Lindiwe Mnguni, expressed shock at the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

“The City of Ekurhuleni strongly condemns such incidents of violence and rather supports initiatives led by the Gauteng MEC to promote dialogue, cooperation and peace among taxi associations. Incidents of this nature threaten these efforts and place the lives of innocent people at risk,” said Mnguni.

She described the killings as a setback to ongoing efforts aimed at creating a safe and stable public transport environment across the metro.

“This senseless act of violence undermines ongoing efforts to build a safe, peaceful and stable public transport environment in Ekurhuleni. Violence has no place in our communities or in the transport industry,” she said.

The city has called on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.

Mnguni also appealed to members of the public who may have information regarding the shooting to come forward to assist investigators.

The incident has once again shone a spotlight on tensions within parts of Gauteng’s transport sector, where disputes involving taxi operators, e-hailing services and alternative transport providers have frequently made headlines.

While the circumstances surrounding the latest shooting remain unclear, some residents say the incident comes against a backdrop of growing frustration among commuters who feel they are increasingly being denied the freedom to choose how they travel.

Ekurhuleni resident Eric Mntambo told African Times that he was saddened by the loss of life but not surprised by the escalation of tensions.

“As commuters it should be our right to use private cars or e-hailing services or even buses. It is wrong for operators to bully commuters. Everything went up, including taxi fares, and as people we find alternative means to go to and from work,” said Mntambo.

He argued that many commuters have turned to alternative transport options due to rising costs and changing travel needs.

“We cannot be forced to use one mode of transport. People should have the freedom to decide what works best for them and what they can afford,” he added.

In recent months, there have been increasing complaints from commuters and transport users about the conduct of some taxi patrollers operating at taxi ranks and along major transport routes.

Patrollers have frequently been accused of unlawfully stopping vehicles, intimidating motorists and forcing passengers out of e-hailing vehicles, private cars and buses on the basis that they are allegedly operating illegally or taking business away from taxi operators.

Videos circulating on social media have shown incidents in which passengers were ordered to leave vehicles while drivers were questioned by groups of patrollers.

Transport experts and commuter organisations have repeatedly warned that such actions are unlawful and undermine the rights of commuters.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and government authorities have on numerous occasions called for disputes involving routes, passengers, and operating rights to be resolved through legal and regulatory channels rather than through intimidation or violence.

The Gauteng provincial government has, in recent years, intensified efforts to mediate disputes between taxi associations and emerging transport sectors, including e-hailing operators and scholar transport providers.

Authorities have stressed that violence within the transport industry not only threatens livelihoods but also places innocent commuters at risk.

The latest deadly attack is one of the most serious incidents reported in the region this year and is likely to renew calls for stronger enforcement against illegal conduct within the public transport sector.

As investigations continue, residents and commuters are hoping that those responsible for the killings will be brought to justice and that renewed efforts will be made to address longstanding tensions affecting the industry.

For many commuters, however, the tragedy also highlights a broader concern: the need to protect the public’s right to travel freely and safely, regardless of whether they choose to use taxis, buses, e-hailing services or private vehicles.

Police have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the shooting, and investigations are continuing.