59 people killed in Gauteng taxi violence since January! Gauteng Province is facing a deepening crisis as taxi violence continues to claim lives, with at least 59 people killed since the beginning of 2025. Despite numerous efforts to stabilize the industry, targeted killings and random shootings linked to taxi associations persist, sparking widespread concern for commuter and driver safety.
Latest Incident in Soweto
The most recent act of violence occurred on Monday, 7 April 2025, in Mofolo, Soweto, where three men were fatally shot at the corner of Zulu Drive and Nape Street. According to police reports, unknown assailants in a grey silver vehicle opened fire on a Toyota Corolla occupied by members of a local taxi association.
The brutal nature of the attack, believed to be part of an ongoing turf war over routes, has left residents shaken and underscored the escalating danger posed by unresolved disputes in the sector.
Gauteng taxi violence
Series of Fatal Attacks Across the Province
The Mofolo shooting is only the latest in a string of deadly incidents. Just last month, a group of armed men stormed a taxi rank in Doornfontein, within the Jeppe policing precinct, and randomly opened fire, killing four people on the scene. Three others were rushed to nearby hospitals with gunshot wounds.
On 19 March 2025, another tragedy unfolded at the Zonkizizwe taxi rank, where three people—identified as taxi drivers—were killed, and two passengers were injured. Witnesses say unknown gunmen in a white BMW fired at bystanders without warning, highlighting the volatile nature of the violence.
These targeted and seemingly retaliatory shootings are believed to stem from ongoing disputes over lucrative taxi routes—a problem that has long plagued the sector in Gauteng and other provinces.
Government and Industry Leaders Step In
In response to the mounting death toll and public outcry, the Gauteng Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), held a high-level meeting last week to address the crisis.
MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, led the talks aimed at ending the bloodshed. The outcome of the meeting was a set of key resolutions focused on de-escalation and long-term stability within the industry.
“Key agreements from the meeting include an immediate ceasefire and a commitment to mediation talks by all affected taxi associations,” said a joint statement issued by the Portfolio Committees on Community Safety and Transport & Logistics.
Taxi associations are now required to engage in ongoing dialogue and submit progress reports to the MEC by 29 April 2025. These steps aim to build trust and foster a peaceful environment in one of the province’s most critical transportation sectors.
Formation of a Conflict Resolution Committee
A significant step forward from the meeting was the formation of a dedicated Conflict Resolution Committee. This committee will include members from all affected taxi associations and will convene only under the supervision of the MEC, ensuring greater transparency and accountability during negotiations.
The committee’s mandate is to resolve disputes—especially those involving contested routes—through mediation rather than violence. The committees have also pledged to monitor progress closely and hold both government and taxi leadership accountable.
“We urge taxi associations to honor the ceasefire and engage in good faith,” the statement continued. “We also call on commuters and communities to report threats or incidents to law enforcement to help build a safer transport sector.”
A Call for Collective Action
While the government has taken a firm stance on restoring peace, the success of these initiatives depends heavily on the cooperation of all stakeholders, including law enforcement, communities, and the taxi industry itself.
As Gauteng continues to grapple with the devastating impact of taxi violence, there is cautious optimism that this new agreement may finally provide a path toward peace, safety, and sustainable resolution in one of South Africa’s most vital yet volatile sectors.