Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
2-minute read
09 January 2025 | 15:00 CAT

Taxi violence continues to plague Soweto, as rivalries escalate, threatening both the safety of the public and the livelihoods of those in the industry. Urgent intervention is needed to restore peace.

Soweto has once again been shaken by a violent escalation within the taxi industry, as three members of the Wata Taxi Association were brutally assassinated in the early hours of yesterday. The killings, which have been linked to a long-standing rivalry with the Nanduwe Taxi Association, have sparked outrage and concern in the community, where innocent bystanders are often caught in the crossfire.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has condemned the killings, urging immediate intervention from both local law enforcement and taxi associations. Dr. Bandile Masuku, Chairperson of the committee, emphasized the urgency of addressing the rising violence, calling for a more focused approach to tackling these deadly disputes. “It is not just about the rivalry between the associations; the safety of the public is at stake,” Dr. Masuku told Radio Islam International.

The recent killings highlight a disturbing pattern of violence, with sporadic shootings occurring throughout the province. “In the past, we have seen members of the public caught in crossfire, and this is simply unacceptable,” Dr. Masuku continued. His committee is demanding that both the MEC of Transport and the MEC of Community Safety take immediate action, including forming a dedicated unit to address taxi-related violence.

While the taxi associations themselves have not directly claimed responsibility for the violence, their involvement in ongoing conflicts has been well-documented. “We cannot allow these groups to operate above the law,” Dr. Masuku stressed, adding that the MEC of Transport must mediate and enforce stricter regulations to control the industry.

In response to the escalating violence, Dr. Masuku has called for urgent meetings with taxi associations and law enforcement, urging them to adopt peaceful methods of resolving disputes. “Violence cannot be the answer to their differences,” he concluded. The community, already under strain, anxiously awaits further action to ensure their safety.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Dr. Bandile Masuku here.