Three armed security guards have been arrested in KwaNdengezi Township following an attack on an e-hailing driver and harassment of female passengers, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures in the e-hailing industry.
Image: File
Three security guards have been arrested following the shocking attack on an e-hailing driver and the alleged harassment of female passengers in KwaNdengezi Township, west of Durban.
The arrests come less than 24 hours after KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, publicly condemned the incident and called for a multi-agency investigation involving law enforcement authorities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Duma confirmed that the suspects had been taken into custody and praised the swift response by law enforcement agencies.
"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," said Duma.
The MEC commended the South African Police Service team deployed by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, as well as members of Operation Shanela, the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), and Durban Metro Police for their rapid intervention.
The incident sparked widespread public outrage after a video circulated on social media showing armed security guards allegedly confronting an e-hailing driver transporting female passengers.
Authorities were informed that shots were fired at the vehicle's tyres, causing the driver to lose control and collide with another vehicle.
According to Duma, the investigation has already yielded significant developments.
"Three security guards have been arrested and three firearms have been confiscated," he said.
He added that one of the firearms allegedly used during the attack is now the subject of a separate criminal investigation.
The MEC further revealed that the South African Police Service is investigating the security company involved under Section 109 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, which deals with the fitness of individuals and entities to possess firearms.
Duma reiterated his call for the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) to take decisive action against those responsible.
"As stated this morning, PSiRA must act firmly against those responsible for the violation of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act," he said.
The MEC also welcomed the cooperation shown by the leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) and the KwaNdengezi Taxi Association in resolving the matter.
"We commend the leadership of Santaco and KwaNdengezi Taxi Association for working with us in resolving this matter very swiftly," Duma said.
Meanwhile, provincial authorities have moved to provide support to the victims affected by the incident.
Duma confirmed that his office had met with the family of the e-hailing driver and was arranging counselling services for both the driver and the female passengers who were allegedly subjected to intimidation and harassment during the ordeal.
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