KwaNdengezi, Durban – A transport dispute has escalated in KwaNdengezi after footage of a violent assault circulated online, prompting taxi operators to suspend services and authorities to impound vehicles amid heightened community tension.
On Friday morning, roads in the township were barricaded and smoke filled the air as operations linked to the KwaNdengezi Taxi Association came to a halt. The stoppage followed the arrest of three security guards accused of attacking an e-hailing driver. Taxi operators are demanding the return of vehicles seized by Durban Metro Police during enforcement actions tied to allegations of violence against the e-hailing driver and intimidation of female passengers.
Zibuse Ngcamu of the KwaNdengezi Taxi Association addressed the situation, noting the incident on Wednesday marked the first occurrence of its kind. “Since the matter is with SAPS, we will wait for their response regarding the company’s compliance before taking further action,” Ngcamu stated. “We were not present at the scene, but having reviewed the video evidence, we condemn what took place.”
The service disruption has deeply affected vulnerable residents. Several local widows, who depend on taxis bequeathed by their deceased spouses as their sole source of income, have been left without means to support their households. Across the township, commuters reported being stranded and unable to access employment or education. One resident appealed for resolution through dialogue: “When disputes arise between the taxi industry and government, stakeholders must meet at the table to address the issue without impacting the community.”
Representatives from the KZN E-Hailing Council pointed to ongoing friction rooted in misconceptions about e-hailing operations. The council is urging prompt governmental engagement to bridge the divide. Sipho Mabika of the Council highlighted the regulatory role of transport authorities: “The Department of Transport enforces industry rules and regulations. E-hailing is now a regulated sector in KZN. If the department can engage with SANTACO leadership and provide clarity on how e-hailing functions, it would help mitigate these tensions.”
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport confirmed it has logged further grievances involving the security firm featured in the viral footage. Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the department, relayed concerns raised by MEC Siboniso Duma: “Additional complaints have been received from township residents and e-hailing drivers alleging harassment by the implicated security company. These are serious claims. Video evidence in our possession will be forwarded to law enforcement. The MEC has repeatedly highlighted how security entities can destabilize the public transport sector.”
The three arrested suspects are scheduled to return to the Pinetown Magistrate Court on June 12 for a formal bail hearing. They are charged with attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and reckless and negligent driving.