Thousands of commuters were stranded this week after a violent protest linked to a long-running taxi route dispute shut down the R74 and saw a truck set alight in Madundube.

The closure severely disrupted taxi services between KwaDukuza and Maphumulo, Doringkop, Kranskop and Greytown, leaving passengers scrambling for alternative transport.

According to Maphumulo Taxi Association member Sthembiso Mahlobo, residents and operators want Transport MEC Siboniso Duma to intervene and resolve the dispute.

The conflict stems from a shooting incident earlier this year involving members of the KwaDukuza and Maphumulo taxi associations over the Doringkop and Madundube routes. The matter is currently before the courts.

The shooting occurred on Doesburg Road near Lindelani in March. Although no injuries were reported, two vehicles were hit and nearby homes struck by stray bullets. Police recovered more than 50 spent cartridges and confiscated over 20 firearms from two security companies contracted to guard members of the rival groups.

Following the incident, the Maphumulo association was suspended from operating on the disputed routes. Mahlobo said operators were informed during a meeting convened by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that the suspension would remain in place for 60 days.

“The two months ended on June 17. We were expecting a decision because the matter is already in court. We were then told the suspension was being extended,” said Mahlobo.

“Initially, we explained the disruption to our passengers, but when they heard about the extension, they became angry. As an association, we decided to support the community. All we want is a decision to be taken.”

Mahlobo said the association had operated the affected routes for more than 40 years and argued that municipal boundary changes had contributed to the dispute.

“Those routes previously fell under Ndwedwe Municipality, but due to demarcation changes they now fall under KwaDukuza Municipality. If MEC Duma can come and resolve this issue, we can bring back our taxis,” he said.

At the Maphumulo taxi rank, commuters waited with their bags, hoping services would resume.

One of them, Luthando Shozi, had travelled from Durban after receiving news of an emergency at home in Maphumulo.

“I am now stuck here. The only option is to take a taxi back to Durban, which will cost me another R100. Tomorrow I will have to travel from Durban to Kranskop or Greytown to get home. It is increasing my expenses and I hope this issue is resolved soon,” she said.

Tensions between operators from KwaDukuza and KwaMaphumulo have persisted for decades, largely over routes linking rural communities with KwaDukuza. The rivalry has previously led to violence, road disruptions and the deaths of more than 30 people.

A 2021 Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling upheld an earlier arbitration award allowing KwaMaphumulo operators to run certain routes and share the KwaDukuza taxi rank, dismissing an appeal by the KwaDukuza association.