Soweto Residents Outraged After Hostel Taxi Gangs burn Bolt & Uber drivers alive at Maponya Mall

Soweto, August 14, 2025 Anger and fear gripped Soweto on Wednesday night after a brutal attack by a group of hostel taxi operators left e-hailing drivers dead and vehicles torched outside Maponya Mall. The violence has sent shockwaves through the community, exposing deep-rooted tensions between traditional taxi operators and e-hailing services.

The victim, 27-year-old Mthokozisi Mvelase, had been driving for Uber for only three days. Eyewitnesses say a group of armed men ambushed his vehicle, shooting him before setting the car on fire. A second vehicle, reportedly a Bolt driver, narrowly escaped a similar fate. A passerby sustained injuries during the attack, further escalating panic in the area.

Residents gathered in large numbers outside the mall to express their outrage. Protesters blocked roads, chanting against the violence and demanding justice for the fallen drivers. Some threatened to shut down the mall entirely if authorities failed to act.

Gauteng’s MEC for Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, condemned the killings as “barbaric” and promised collaboration with law enforcement to ensure those responsible are apprehended. The MEC also urged communities to channel their anger through lawful means while authorities pursue justice.

The Soweto United E-Hailing Association has called for increased protection for drivers, citing a history of harassment and attacks by taxi operators. “We cannot allow fear to dictate our work,” said one association representative. “Drivers deserve to operate safely without the threat of violence.”

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, urging anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, the local community continues to demand immediate action to prevent further loss of life and restore safety to commuters in Soweto.

The attack has reignited debates about the safety and regulation of e-hailing services in South Africa, highlighting a simmering conflict between traditional taxi associations and modern ride-hailing platforms.