*Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House*: We remain confident that a long-lasting solution will be found to ensure co-existence of taxi operators and the e-hailing sector in Phoenix and other affected areas in Durban.
Following the assault of a Bolt driver on Saturday and the demand of R5000 for the return of his car, we wish to report that the car was returned to the victim immediately after the police’s intervention.
We have also put Operation Shanela Team and Road Traffic Inspectorate on standby.
Critically, we are experiencing an influx of complaints of harrassment from e-hailing drivers and residents from Phoenix, Chatsworth, Overport, Chesterville, KwaMashu, KwaDabeka, Inanda, and many other areas.
We are attending to these complaints.
With regard to the Phoenix Plaza incident, we wish to report that a team from my office and the department’s Public Regulatory Entity is in constant liaison with the KZN e-hailing Council and SAPS Phoenix Police Station.
We have agreed to allow SAPS to continue with an investigation into the assault and extortion.
In particular, we thank SAPS Team from Phoenix Police Station, under the leadership of the KZN Provincial Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, for ensuring peace and stability.
It should be remembered that I and Mkhwanazi had several meetings with KZN SANTACO in the past, and we agreed on working together to ensure stability in the public transport system.
Finally, in order to sustain a climate of peace and co-existence in Phoenix, a closed meeting involving key stakeholders is scheduled as follows: -
Date: 17 February 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Bethsaida Ministries International Full Gospel Church of God, Phoenix
The meeting will be attended by the following key stakeholders:
1. KZN e-hailing Council.
2. Phoenix Local Taxi Association
3. SANTACO eThekwini Regional Leadership.
4. SAPS Phoenix Police Station.
5. KZN Department of Transport Public Regulatory Entity.
6. eThekwini Metro Police.
Ends
Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements