KZN E-hailing Drivers Shot and Assaulted Allegedly by Taxi Operators in KwaDabeka, Mzansi Concerned

• E-hailing drivers in the KK Section of KwaDabeka, in KwaZulu-Natal, were shot and assaulted, allegedly by taxi operators
• KZN Transport Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) is concerned that the shooting will reopen old wounds
• South Africans are concerned that the shooting will lead to a further escalation in violence in the province

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

KWAZULU-NATAL – Two e-hailing drivers have been shot and assaulted in KwaDabeka, Durban, allegedly by taxi operators.

The shooting was confirmed by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Transport Member of the Executive Committee (MEC), who noted that the KZN e-Hailing Council and the victims reported to the KwaDabeka Police Station.

The incident happened in the KK Section of KwaDabeka on 27 August 2025.

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Duma is concerned that shooting will reopen fresh wounds

The Transport MEC expressed concern that the latest incident would reopen wounds of the recent shooting at Maponya Mall in Soweto.

"The Dabeka shooting will unfortunately reopen healing wounds of relatives of the late e-hailing driver Mthokozisi Mvelase," Duma noted.

Mvelase was killed when armed men shot him before setting his vehicle alight while he was still inside it. Two other people were injured in the brazen attack, which drew widespread condemnation.

The incident led to a taxi also being burned, allegedly by members of the Pimville community, in retaliation for Mvelase’s murder. No one has been arrested in connection with that attack as yet.

Department to work together with police

Duma also noted that his department would work together with KZN Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and other stakeholders, to ensure there was peace and stability in the area.

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"Over the past few minutes, we have been in touch with the leadership of the KZN e-Hailing Council. The leadership has offered to work with me and other key stakeholders to ensure that we do not see more bloodshed and the escalation of conflict," the MEC said after the incident.

Duma also stated that there appeared to be confusion about routes and permits for e-hailing drivers, which could have led to the attack.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users were frustrated by the news, with many sharing their thoughts on the taxi industry and being an e-hailing driver in KZN.

Njabulo Hlophe Thabethe said:

“Now there must be a special task force to deal with taxi drivers.”

Ace Gadu said:

“If I were an Uber driver in KZN, I would quit.”

Sthabza Thabiso agreed:

“Being an e-hailing driver in KZN is too dangerous. More than in other provinces.”

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Robinson Maakana stated:

“If these things are ignored, they will have a serious impact on people's lives. The problem with our government is that it always acts as if it doesn't matter to them, and it will never affect them. If the police’s hands are full, bring the army to assist, before people are forced to go and get illegal firearms to protect themselves.”

Tiegovic Malose Dladla said:

“Unfortunately, innocent taxi drivers and owners will pay for the stupid behaviour of their colleagues. E-hailing drivers will retaliate.”

Sizwe Mhlephethe Mlaba added:

“Too many barbaric people in the taxi industry, and they should be cast out of the industry before it's too late.”

Thembinkosi Njenjesi exclaimed:

“This is getting out of hand.”

E-hailing driver survives armed robbery attempt

Briefly News reported that an e-hailing driver escaped with his life in a robbery that went viral on social media.

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The viral video showed the robber attempting to shoot the driver after stealing his money and other belongings.

South Africans were concerned about the incident and called on the passenger's role to be investigated.

Source: Briefly News