JOHANNESBURG – Three people were driven off in Soweto by a vehicle belonging to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Station (JMPD) during a protest involving a rival minibus taxi group.
The long-standing conflict between the Witwater Land African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nance Field Duve West Taxi Association (Nanduwe) that has fought the route for many years, culminated in protests on Monday (10 March 2025).
Protesting taxi operators stopped Soweto by blocking the road using minibuses.
Commenting on the issue, JMPD spokesman Principal Xolani Fihla said that two people who ran during the protest lost their lives.
The male taxi owner was declared dead at the scene, and the woman was injured upon arrival at the hospital.
Kaya News named The Dead Woman Nkele Sehube, 49.
The narration for the event that led to the tragedy directing said: “At about 6:10 this morning, JMPD officials were attributable to an ongoing demonstration of taxi operators on Machaba Drive near Elias Mosso Lady Road in response to reports of road blockage at Mofolo Central in Soweto.”
Director Fihla added:
“The collision caused a subway police vehicle to collide with three pedestrians standing on the side of the road.
Seven individuals were involved in the incident, including two JMPD officers, two Nissan Tiida residents and three pedestrians. Tragically, two pedestrians lost their lives.
Additionally, JMPD received reports of road blockage at the intersection of Klipspruit Valley Road and Kumalo Road in Orlando West due to a route dispute between Wata and Nanduwe.
Principal Fihara said minibus taxis were destroyed and stripped at Moloca Nancefield Road and Elias Mossoaredi Road in Moboro South.
“We have confirmed that all affected routes have been reopened to traffic and law enforcement officials are actively monitoring the area,” said Superintendent Fihla.
“A negligent murder will be held at the Moloka Police Service in South Africa for further investigation.”
