The road users facing attacks from taxi drivers in South Africa’s biggest city

E-hailing drivers are allegedly being robbed and assaulted by taxi associations in Johannesburg.

Several drivers from ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt have spoken up recently about an increase in violent altercations between the two groups of road users in South Africa’s largest city.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has acknowledged these reports, stating that it is aware of the violence between minibus taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.

This issue was put in the spotlight this week following the e-hailing driver’s protest that took place on Tuesday.

E-hailing drivers gathered in the city to protest for better working conditions, including salaries, benefits, and government regulation of the sector, according to TimesLive.

One protestor, Sithembiso Dlamini, explained that he had started working as a Bolt driver last month.

In his short time as a ride-hailing operator, he was attacked by two men who claimed to be from the local taxi industry.

“I had dropped off a client when two men holding sjamboks approached me and pulled me out of the car.

“They told me I was taking their clients and I should give them all my money or they would destroy my car and beat me up. I had to give them all my daily earnings. I could not risk them destroying the car that was not mine.”

Dlamini said that he went home and has been unable to work since the incident.

“I am out of a job because I couldn’t give my boss the weekly payment. I had a baby last month. I took this gig thinking I was going to be able to provide for him and I am stuck.”

He added that he did not report the incident to the police because he believed that no one would help him and that it would make no difference.

Dlamini told the media that what disturbed him the most about the incident was the lack of support from bystanders, claiming that people walked past or watched without doing anything.

“No one is willing to help in Johannesburg. I used to see it in videos, I had no idea it would happen to me one day,” he said.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla stated that the police are aware of these cases and that violent acts by the taxi industry are a major concern for law enforcement in the province.

Fihla noted that the JMPD is working with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and both the national and provincial traffic police to develop methods to protect e-hailing drivers and their passengers.

This includes a more visible police presence out on the roads, and a swifter response time to reported incidents.

The JMPD has categorically stated that it is illegal for anyone, including taxi operators, to harass, threaten, or stop Bolt and Uber drivers.

The punishment for doing so ranges from fines to vehicle impoundment and prison sentences, depending on the nature and severity of the crime.

Fihla stressed that victims should not stay silent, but should report these incidents to the police as soon as possible, ensuring that there is adequate evidence for the perpetrators to be charged with a crime.

“While arrests are made, the successful apprehension and charging of perpetrators depends on the evidence collected and thoroughness of the investigation, which is primarily led by the police service,” he said.

Bolt South Africa has confirmed that it is aware of the attacks and is taking protective measures to ensure the safety of its drivers.

“We condemn any form of violence or intimidation in the strongest possible terms and remain deeply concerned about the safety and wellbeing of our driver partners,” said Lerato Motsoeneng, senior general manager for Bolt South Africa.

Motsoeneng explained that the platform has introduced new safety measures for its mobile app, including an emergency button, trip-sharing options, and real-time driving updates.

It has also designated specific areas as high-risk zones, which drivers are warned not to operate in.

“In cases where drivers report being threatened, attacked or robbed, Bolt offers support which may include assistance with police reporting, trauma counselling and legal guidance,” she said.

A delusional sense of entitlement

These reports of violent attacks are the latest in a long list of dangerous and illegal activities that South Africa’s taxi associations have reportedly engaged in over the last year.

In May this year, several reports started circulating that taxi drivers were impounding private cars to protect their own interests.

Additionally, there has been an increase in ‘mafia-style‘ tactics by minibus taxi operators around the country.

Taxi enforcers have been recorded chasing other vehicles off the road, while other taxi drivers have allegedly stopped school buses in their tracks.

The common thread across all of these cases is that the other cars had multiple occupants, which the taxi operators claim is a threat to their business.

These drivers insist that minibus taxi operators are the only ones authorized to transport commuters on public roads, and that anyone who gives a lift to another person is effectively stealing their customers.

This includes everything from e-hailing drivers, to private motorists giving their friend a lift to the airport, and scholar transports taking children to school.

This argument has no legal basis, and has been repeatedly condemned by the Minister of Transport and various law enforcement services.

“[Taxi] patrollers are not empowered by any legislation, and therefore such cases of harassment must be reported to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action to be taken against perpetrators,” said Transport Minister Creecy.

South African National Police Commissioner Fanie Masemola has likewise reiterated on multiple occasions that taxis have no legal right to stop other road users, demand fines, or impound other cars.