E-hailing cabs barred from Soweto malls ‘until further notice’

The decision was taken at a meeting on Wednesday, attended by Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku, Transport MMC Kenny Kunene, the police, Soweto taxi associations and representatives from the various e-hailing services. 

The aim of the meeting was to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict between the taxi associations and e-hailing services. 

On Tuesday, an e-hailing cab was allegedly torched at Protea Glen Mall and last week, three e-hailing vehicles were burnt at Maponya Mall in Soweto. 

Gauteng police are investigating several cases of arson.

Ward 135 councillor Phelelani Sindani says they are hot on the heels of unregistered Bolt and Uber drivers. 

“SAPS will deploy officers to the malls to prevent the fighting and to identify unregistered Bolt/Uber drivers. We have not stipulated any time in terms of Bolt and Uber drivers not being allowed to pick-up inside the malls, we said until further notice.”

Residents have also voiced their concerns and asked to be included in discussions and decision-making regarding the e-hailing and taxi saga.

The committee is set to meet again on Friday. 

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