2 pedestrians die after being knocked over by JMPD! A tragic accident in Soweto on Monday resulted in the deaths of two pedestrians after they were struck by a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) vehicle. The officers were responding to an escalating conflict between two rival taxi associations when the crash occurred.
The Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE) have been locked in a long-standing battle over taxi routes between Orlando and Mofolo, leading to violent confrontations and disruptions in the area.
The latest fatal accident has further intensified the situation, raising concerns over safety and escalating tensions in Soweto.
How the Crash Unfolded
According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, a total of seven people were affected by the accident.
“Unfortunately, our officers were involved in an accident with another vehicle that reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign,” Fihla explained.
The JMPD patrol vehicle and the other car collided, and the impact caused both vehicles to veer off the road, striking three pedestrians who were standing nearby.
“Sadly, two pedestrians lost their lives at the scene,” Fihla confirmed. The third pedestrian, along with some of the people in the vehicles, sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, including whether reckless driving or negligence played a role in the tragedy.
Rising Tensions Between Taxi Associations
The crash comes amid a bitter rivalry between WATA and NANDUWE, which has led to multiple road closures, violent clashes, and disruptions in Soweto’s transport network.
Taxi operators from both associations have been blocking major roads between Orlando West and Mofolo, leaving commuters stranded and intensifying frustrations among residents.
Monday’s fatal accident is likely to fuel further unrest, as tensions continue to rise over disputes regarding routes and operational control in the area.
Calls for Government Intervention
Following the incident, residents and community leaders have urged the government and law enforcement agencies to step in before the situation spirals further out of control.
Local activist Thabo Mokoena expressed his anger over the ongoing crisis:
“This taxi war has been going on for years, and innocent people are the ones suffering. Now, two people have died because of this chaos. How many more lives must be lost before authorities take action?”
Mokoena also called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, emphasizing that reckless driving by both taxi operators and law enforcement officers poses a major safety risk to pedestrians and commuters.
JMPD’s Response
In response to the accident, JMPD has assured the public that a full investigation is underway to determine what led to the crash.
Fihla confirmed that officers involved in the accident will be questioned, and their vehicle’s dashboard cameras will be reviewed as part of the probe.
“We will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted, and if there was any wrongdoing, necessary action will be taken,” he stated.
JMPD has also urged motorists, taxi drivers, and pedestrians to remain cautious and exercise patience as law enforcement attempts to restore order in the area.
Commuters Left Frustrated
Many Soweto residents have been left frustrated by the ongoing taxi war and its impact on daily life.
Nomsa Nkosi, a commuter who witnessed the accident, described the scene as chaotic and terrifying.
“One moment, everything was normal, and the next, there was a loud crash. People were screaming, and then I saw the bodies on the ground. It was heartbreaking.”
She also criticized the government for failing to regulate the taxi industry properly, saying:
“Every few months, there’s some kind of taxi violence in Soweto. The government needs to take control before more people die.”
What Happens Next?
With the investigation ongoing, it remains to be seen whether the JMPD officers involved in the crash will face any disciplinary action or legal consequences.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials are urging taxi associations to resolve their disputes peacefully rather than through violence and road blockages.
The tragic deaths of the two pedestrians serve as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and unresolved transport conflicts in Johannesburg.
As the city waits for answers, the hope is that stronger measures will be taken to prevent future accidents and loss of life on Soweto’s roads.