Uber, metered taxis clash near King Shaka Airport

The two became involved in an argument at a Sasol petrol station, Major Thulani Zwane said.

“It is alleged that one driver pointed a firearm at another, but there was no shooting.”

A case was yet to be opened. Management at the petrol station declined to comment.

KwaZulu-Natal Metered Taxi Association spokesperson Sizwe Imvubu said they were investigating the matter.

“At this stage we are not sure of the circumstances or who did what. Once we get a full report from the local metered taxi chairperson we will comment on the matter.”

Other clashes

Tensions between metered taxi and Uber drivers have been simmering since the internet-based ride-sharing app was introduced in South Africa in 2013.

Last year, metered taxi drivers intimidated Uber drivers and passengers outside Gautrain stations in Sandton and Centurion, in Gauteng, and staged illegal protest against Uber over the service’s alleged “unfair competition”.

Last month, three metro police officials were injured when metered taxi drivers stoned two Uber cars and two metro police cars in Sandton.

Metered taxi drivers chased and tried to assault Gauteng Transport MEC Ismail Vadi at his office when he announced the start of the process of issuing operating licences to Uber drivers.

News24