The Maponya Mall is now open again. It’s been business as usual since yesterday, even though discussions about transportation are still ongoing.

Maponya Mall in Klipspruit, Soweto, has reopened after being shut down by angry community members following a deadly attack on an e-hailing driver earlier this week.

The victim: 27-year-old Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase was shot and set alight inside the car he was driving on Wednesday night.
A second e-hailing vehicle nearby was also attacked and torched — the driver narrowly escaped.
A passer-by was shot and wounded during the chaos.

On Thursday, furious residents closed the mall, torched a minibus taxi outside, and demanded the removal of the mall’s security company, accusing it of failing to protect people.

Community leader Thabang Molefe confirmed on Friday that the mall is now fully operational. Discussions between residents, the taxi industry, e-hailing services, and mall management are still underway.

Bolt SA responds:
Senior GM Lerato Mostoeneng condemned the violence, saying:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Maponya Mall in which an e-hailing driver lost their life. No one should lose their life for trying to earn an honest living.”

Bolt said some of the drivers targeted were operating on its platform and that it is offering support while working with authorities to improve safety in high-risk zones.

This tragedy has once again highlighted the deadly tensions between the taxi industry and e-hailing services, with community safety hanging in the balance.