Two e-hailing drivers shot in Durban. Image: EWN
(The Post News)- KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma on Wednesday, 27 August 2025 confirmed that two e-hailing drivers were shot and wounded in KwaDabeka in KwaZulu-Natal.
The KwaZulu-Natal transport department says it has engaged with the provincial e-hailing council in a bid to restore peace and stability after the shooting of e-hailing drivers in KwaDabeka, north of Durban. According to Duma the department will be working with KZN Police Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to ensure peace and stability.
Duma said, “Over the past few minutes, we have been in touch with the leadership of the KZN e-Hailing Council. The leadership has offered to work with me and other key stakeholders to ensure that we do not see more bloodshed and the escalation of conflict.”
Duma added that he has instructed Operation Shanela, an initiative of the Provincial Regulatory Entity, to work with other law enforcement agencies to help prevent a repeat of incidents like those at Maponya Mall in Soweto. “The Dabeka shooting will, sadly, reopen painful wounds for the family of the late e-hailing driver, Mthokozisi Mvelase,” he said.
According to reports Duma emphasized that the department is commited to fostering co-existence between e-hailing and taxi drivers, describing them as the backbone of the public transport system. “These drivers are the backbone of the public transport system. As the department, we want to ensure that they all enjoy access to socio-economic opportunities. Critically, we understand that there is confusion about routes and permits for e-hailing drivers – uber and bolt etc.
“It is for these reasons that in January this year, I assigned the department’s PRE unit to have regular meetings with the KZN e-hailing council, representatives from Uber and Bolt. These meetings will continue until the official introduction of the regulations for the e-hailing services under the amended National Land Transport Amendment (NLTA) Act.
‘The meeting between myself, KZN e-hailing council, and PRE will ensure that we reflect on the state of readiness for the implementation of the e-hailing industry encompassing Uber and Bolt drivers. We want to do what is in the interest of e-hailing operators, the taxi industry, and the public at large,” stated Duma.
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