Authorities have launched an investigation following a violent attack on an e-hailing driver who was transporting female passengers in KwaNdengezi, west of Durban.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, prompting swift action from law enforcement and transport authorities.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, the driver was allegedly forced off the road before shots were fired at his vehicle.
Provincial transport officials say preliminary information suggests that armed security guards linked to a local taxi association may have been involved in the incident.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said the department was alerted to the matter after receiving a distress call from the KZN E-Hailing Council.
"We have been informed that shots were fired at the tyres of the car, resulting in the e-hailing driver losing control and his vehicle colliding with another car," said Sibiya.
He confirmed that a multidisciplinary team has been assigned to investigate the incident.
"We have assigned a team from our public regulatory entity and Operation Shanela to investigate the matter. We are also working closely with the South African Police Service and Metro Police," he said.
Sibiya called for a thorough forensic investigation, including the involvement of ballistic experts to examine spent cartridges and other evidence collected from the scene.
He has also urged the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) to participate in the investigation, given the allegations involving private security personnel.
The department has condemned the attack and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of both e-hailing operators and commuters across the province.
No arrests have been reported at this stage, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.