South Africa: One Dead in Taxi Driver Clashes

An armed attack against taxis hailed via app in Johannesburg, South Africa, resulted in the death of one person and the arson of two vehicles. This incident adds to a wave of violence between taxi drivers and app-based drivers.

According to police, four men opened fire on a taxi in Soweto, killing the driver and setting the vehicle on fire. A second vehicle was also targeted, with the driver managing to escape before his car was torched. Two people, including a passerby, were injured by the gunfire.

Police are conducting an investigation into premeditated murder, attempted murder, and arson. Taxi drivers using apps have repeatedly been targeted by traditional taxi drivers, who accuse digital platforms of stealing customers.

Mini-bus taxis are a major means of transport in South Africa, but the sector is often controlled by criminal networks. Clashes for control of areas between rival taxi companies are frequent. South Africa has a high homicide rate, averaging 75 murders per day.

Source: Πρώτο Θέμα