Soweto taxi driver survives kidnapping as tension over routes escalate
A Soweto taxi driver has opened up about a terrifying kidnapping incident he survived earlier on Monday, amid escalating tensions between rival taxi associations.
The driver, who chose to remain anonymous, shared his ordeal with Eyewitness News, describing how he was forcibly taken while driving through White City. The attack comes as conflict between taxi operators intensifies, leading to road blockages and violent disputes in parts of Soweto.
Ongoing Taxi War in Soweto
The Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE) have long been embroiled in a dispute over routes and operational control in the area.
The latest abduction incident has further fueled tensions, with Soweto taxi operators blocking roads between Orlando West and Mofolo in protest. Road closures caused major disruptions for commuters and heightened fears of escalating violence in the ongoing taxi feud.
Soweto taxi driver
How the Kidnapping Unfolded
The taxi driver recounted how he was driving his usual route when two unknown men flagged him down in White City. Thinking they were passengers, he stopped to pick them up.
However, the men quickly turned aggressive and ordered all the passengers to exit the vehicle.
“They told the passengers to get out of the taxi, and then they dragged me from the driver’s seat,” he explained.
Once inside the vehicle, the attackers forced him onto the floor while one of them took control of the steering wheel.
“They made me lie down while one of them drove. The other man started beating me while I was on the floor of the vehicle,” he recalled.
The assault intensified as the kidnappers stole his phone and money.
“Once they took the money, they kept beating me. They threatened to kill me and said they wanted to take my taxi away from me. That’s when I knew I had to do something.”
A Daring Escape
Realizing that his life was in danger, the driver took a bold and risky decision—he jumped out of the moving taxi.
Although injured from the fall, he managed to escape with his life and later reported the incident.
Authorities are now investigating the kidnapping and assault, but no arrests have been made yet.
Road Closures and Rising Tensions
Following the attack, Soweto taxi operators responded by blocking major roads between Orlando West and Mofolo, causing heavy traffic congestion and delays.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed that officers were deployed to monitor the situation and assist motorists in finding alternative routes.
“Orlando West… the intersection of Klipspruit Valley, Khumalo Road, and Sofasonke Street is blocked off to traffic, causing major delays as motorists divert from the closures. Expect delays on Xorile Street and Martha Louw Street. JMPD officers are present at both locations, and we urge drivers to exercise extreme caution.”
Adding to the turmoil, Fihla also reported a fatal accident in the same area involving five individuals, including two JMPD officers.
“One officer sustained serious injuries, while another has tragically passed away. Two additional individuals were also injured in the accident.”
Authorities Urged to Intervene
As tensions escalate, residents and taxi commuters have called for urgent government intervention to prevent further violence.
Many fear that the taxi feud could spiral out of control, leading to more violent attacks, disruptions, and even fatalities.
A local resident, Nomsa Mokoena, expressed her frustration:
“This fight over taxi routes has been going on for too long. Innocent people are getting caught in the middle. The government needs to step in before more people lose their lives.”
Meanwhile, Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has urged the rival taxi associations to resolve their disputes through peaceful negotiations rather than violence and criminal activities.
Looking Ahead
For now, the kidnapped taxi driver is counting his blessings after surviving the traumatic ordeal. However, the incident highlights the dangers faced by taxi operators in Johannesburg, particularly in areas where territorial disputes between taxi associations remain unresolved.
Authorities continue to investigate the attack, but with no arrests made so far, it remains to be seen whether justice will be served and whether peace can be restored to Soweto’s troubled taxi industry.
