An urgent investigation has been launched following a violent incident in KwaNdengezi, where an e-hailing driver was attacked and female passengers harassed by armed security guards, sparking outrage among transport stakeholders.
Image: File
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, has ordered an urgent investigation into a violent incident in KwaNdengezi Township, west of Durban, where an e-hailing driver was allegedly attacked and female passengers harassed and intimidated by armed security guards.
The incident, which was captured on video and circulated on social media, has sparked outrage among transport stakeholders and government officials.
According to Duma, the provincial government received distress calls from the leadership of the KZN e-Hailing Council on Tuesday night after footage emerged showing security guards allegedly hired by the KwaNdengezi Taxi Association confronting an e-hailing driver who was transporting female passengers.
In the video, the armed guards are seen brandishing firearms and allegedly ordering the driver to remove the women from the vehicle.
Authorities have been informed that shots were fired at the vehicle's tyres, causing the driver to lose control and collide with another vehicle.
"We wish to condemn, in the strongest terms, the violent attack on the e-hailing driver, the harassment, and the intimidation of helpless females in KwaNdengezi Township," Duma said in a statement on Thursday.
The MEC confirmed that a team from the province's Public Regulatory Entity has been assigned to investigate the incident alongside members of Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Metro Police.
Duma said forensic investigators would form part of the probe.
"In this regard, ballistic experts must be brought in to do spot examinations of any cartridges on the scene," he said.
The MEC also called on the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) to intervene, arguing that the actions of the security guards may constitute serious violations of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act.
"Clearly, the gun-wielding security guards must be investigated for the violation of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act," Duma added.
The incident has once again highlighted tensions between e-hailing operators and sections of the taxi industry, a challenge that has periodically disrupted public transport operations in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Duma said the provincial government remained committed to maintaining stability in the public transport sector and would continue engaging with the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) and other stakeholders.
"We commit to ensuring stability in the public transport sector, working with Santaco and other key role players," he said.
No arrests had been announced at the time of publication, while investigations into the shooting and the conduct of the security guards were continuing.'
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