KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has issued a firm denunciation of a violent incident involving an e-hailing driver, describing the act as unacceptable intimidation that threatens public safety and sectoral stability.
The condemnation followed urgent communications received late Wednesday from executives of the KZN e-Hailing Council, who shared disturbing footage of an armed confrontation. The video depicts an e-hailing driver ferrying two female passengers when he was intercepted by individuals identified as security personnel allegedly contracted by the KwaNdengezi Taxi Association.
According to the MEC’s statement released Thursday, the armed men are seen in the footage displaying firearms and demanding the driver immediately discharge his passengers. The situation escalated when shots were reportedly discharged at the vehicle’s tyres, causing the driver to lose control and collide with a nearby car.
In response, the provincial government has mobilized a multi-agency investigative task force. Officials from the Public Regulatory Entity and Operation Shanela will work alongside the South African Police Service and Metro Police to establish the facts and identify those responsible.
MEC Duma emphasized the need for forensic rigor, stating: “Ballistic experts must be deployed to conduct immediate on-site analysis of any cartridge casings recovered from the location.”
He also directed a formal appeal to the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA), urging the body to scrutinize the conduct of the armed personnel featured in the video. “Individuals wielding firearms while acting as security operatives must face thorough investigation for potential breaches of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act,” Duma asserted.
Reaffirming the provincial government’s dedication to maintaining order within the public transport ecosystem, the MEC highlighted ongoing collaboration with the South African National Taxi Council and other critical stakeholders. He stressed that violence and coercion have no place in resolving industry tensions and called on all parties to engage through lawful, structured channels.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities committed to ensuring accountability and safeguarding the rights of all transport service providers and passengers across the province.