The City of Johannesburg’s Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, has expressed deep outrage over the killing of an e-hailing driver in Berea, Johannesburg. The driver was fatally shot during an armed robbery, a tragic incident that has sparked widespread condemnation.
The disturbing event was captured on video, which quickly went viral on social media. The footage shows a white car parked on the side of the road with two men standing by the vehicle. One of the men can be seen leaning into the driver’s window, while the other stands by the open door.
The video shows a chilling sequence of events as the man leaning into the driver’s window pulls out a firearm. After a few tense moments, the driver is forced out of the vehicle. In a shocking act of violence, the driver is shot multiple times before the assailants walk away. The incident occurred in broad daylight, in full view of onlookers, including a passerby who could be heard screaming in shock.
Gauteng police have confirmed that they are actively pursuing the suspects responsible for the attack. According to Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the driver was responding to a request at the corner of Lilly and Olivia Streets when he was approached by two men posing as clients. Once the driver let them into the car, the suspects drew their firearms and began searching him. They robbed him of two cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo further reported that after robbing the driver, the suspects opened fire, leaving the driver dead at the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation into the case, classifying it as both an armed robbery and a murder. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward, encouraging the public to report leads to the nearest police station or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
In response to the incident, Dr. Tshwaku condemned the senseless nature of the crime, noting that such violence over a cellphone was unacceptable. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones,” he said in a statement released on Thursday afternoon. Tshwaku urged community members to cooperate with law enforcement in bringing the perpetrators to justice, emphasizing that the City of Johannesburg will not tolerate such acts of violence.
In a bid to improve safety, Tshwaku announced that the city is planning high-density police operations in Hillbrow, an area notorious for its high crime rate, particularly involving drug dealers and other criminal elements. He reiterated that the city is committed to protecting e-hailing drivers and the broader public.
Safety measures will include increased police visibility and patrols in known crime hotspots, along with collaboration between e-hailing companies and the authorities to enhance driver safety. Tshwaku also called on local communities to be vigilant and work with the police to help create a safer Johannesburg.
“We must all work together to ensure that our city is a safe place for everyone,” Tshwaku concluded.
This tragic incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by e-hailing drivers in Johannesburg and other major cities in South Africa. As authorities step up their efforts to combat violent crime, it is hoped that increased security measures will help prevent such senseless killings in the future.
Police investigations are ongoing, and the public is urged to assist in any way possible to ensure those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice.