The tension between the KwaNdengezi Taxi Association and e-hailing drivers continued on Thursday, with three security guards arrested for allegedly shooting at a vehicle belonging to an e-hailing driver the previous day.
The guards were apprehended following the interventions of police and the KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma.
It is alleged that the security guards, who are reportedly affiliated with the KwaNdengezi Taxi Association, opened fire on an e-hailing driver and two female passengers travelling in the vehicle.
A video circulating on social media captured the anxiety of the two female passengers as security guards, allegedly brandishing firearms, confronted the driver and his passengers.
Duma expressed gratitude to the SAPS team deployed by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, as well as members attached to Operation Shanela, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), and Durban Metro Police.
“We wish to inform the people of this province and the country that three gun-wielding security guards who violently attacked an e-hailing driver and harassed female passengers in KwaNdengezi have been arrested.
“Once again, we pause to salute the law enforcement agencies who were deployed to address this incident,” said Duma.
According to Duma, one of the three firearms allegedly involved has been confiscated, while another firearm used in the incident is the subject of a separate investigation.
Duma said SAPS at provincial level was also investigating the security company involved in terms of Section 109 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
“The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) must act firmly against those responsible for violating the Private Security Industry Regulation Act.
“We commend the leadership of the South African National Taxi Council and the KwaNdengezi Taxi Association for collaborating with us to resolve this matter swiftly.
“My office has met with the family of the driver. We are currently arranging the necessary counselling for the e-hailing driver and the female victims,” said Duma.
KwaZulu-Natal E-Hailing secretary Nhlanhla Nsele confirmed the incident captured on camera and said the organisation had been attempting to contact the victims, including the driver and the passengers involved.
According to Nsele, the driver reportedly went to a police station to open a case, but the alleged perpetrators were also present there, resulting in ongoing discussions and no case being officially opened at that stage.
“The organisation is continuing to monitor the matter and will provide updates once more information becomes available.
“The passengers were allegedly harassed, and a firearm was discharged during the incident, raising serious concerns,” he said.
Nsele said the matter had been escalated to provincial authorities and SAPS, and investigations into the alleged harassment and the handling of a firearm were ongoing.
