Authored by: Captain SA | SA Rainbow News | 1 September 2026
STRUBENVALE, EKURHULENI — A 24-year-old e-hailing driver, Nigel Msanzikwa, is seeking justice after an alleged dispute involving a R70 cleaning fee reportedly escalated into a violent assault and shooting in Strubenvale, Ekurhuleni.
The incident allegedly took place between 18H00 and 19H00 on Saturday, 29 August 2026, near 35 and 37 Brice Avenue, Strubenvale.
Msanzikwa, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Sunday, 30 August, says the traumatic incident has left him physically injured, emotionally distressed and financially overwhelmed.
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According to Msanzikwa, he had gone to assist a fellow e-hailing driver who was experiencing a language barrier while trying to communicate with a client.
He said the client’s wife had allegedly vomited in the back seat of his friend’s vehicle, leaving the vehicle smelling unpleasant, wet and dirty. The drivers were reportedly trying to recover R70 to assist with cleaning the vehicle.
Msanzikwa said he approached the client politely, exchanged greetings and explained what his friend had been trying to communicate.
According to his account, the man said he did not have money at the time and would only receive payment the following day. A neighbour later allegedly offered to assist, and R70 was provided.
Msanzikwa said he thanked those involved and believed the matter had been resolved.
However, he alleges that the situation suddenly turned violent.
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“He just told me to leave after we got the money, and then he started beating me up,” Msanzikwa said.
He alleges that he was slapped, punched repeatedly and dragged by his hair during the attack. He further claims that his T-shirt was torn during the alleged assault.
Msanzikwa said he continues to experience pain throughout his body and suffered an injury to the left side of his head after allegedly being pushed and hitting the fender of a vehicle.
“At first, it was just me and the guy, while other people prevented anyone from intervening,” he said.
Two of his friends later arrived at the scene after becoming aware of the situation through a shared live-location group.
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According to Msanzikwa, the confrontation escalated further after his friends arrived.
He alleges that a woman, whom he identified as a neighbour’s wife, went inside a house and later returned holding a firearm.
Msanzikwa claims that moments later, he noticed blood flowing from his wrist and realised that he had been shot.
He further alleges that the woman was holding the firearm and shouting threats.
“I saw the blood flowing from my wrist,” he said.
Msanzikwa’s friend was also allegedly shot during the incident while attempting to run towards a vehicle for safety.
The friend reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the buttocks.
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Msanzikwa confirmed that a case was opened at Springs Police Station following the incident.
However, while receiving medical treatment, he said he received a text message indicating that the case had allegedly been withdrawn in court due to insufficient evidence.
According to the message shared by Msanzikwa, the notification stated that the case had been withdrawn in court on 31 August 2026, with the reason recorded as “not enough evidence.”
Msanzikwa says he was not contacted or consulted before receiving the notification.
“They did not explain anything to me,” he said.
He further alleges that the woman accused of being involved in the shooting was arrested on the same night after police allegedly found her in possession of the firearm.
The circumstances surrounding the case, the reported withdrawal and the status of any criminal proceedings require clarification from the relevant authorities.
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The young driver says the incident has had a devastating impact on his life.
He says he has struggled to sleep and continues to relive the traumatic events whenever he closes his eyes.
“It is my first time experiencing something like this. It has left me wondering whether I am safe or not while doing this job,” he said.
Msanzikwa also says the injuries have placed him under severe financial pressure, as he faces medical expenses while being unable to work.
He expects his injuries to prevent him from working for several weeks, affecting his ability to earn an income.
“Financially, I am drowning because I have hospital bills to pay, and I will be unable to work for some time. That means there is no bread coming to the table,” he said.
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Despite the trauma, Msanzikwa says he remains grateful to have survived.
He had planned to celebrate his birthday weekend and had even bought clothes for the occasion, but instead found himself recovering from his injuries.
“All in all, I am forever grateful that I made it through that night. Things could have turned out differently,” he said.
Msanzikwa is now calling for a thorough investigation and for those responsible, if criminal wrongdoing is established, to be held accountable.
“I just want justice to be served. I believe there is enough evidence for justice to take its course,” he said.
He also highlighted the dangers faced by e-hailing drivers, saying they regularly put themselves at risk while transporting members of the public safely from one destination to another.
His message to fellow drivers and the public is simple: life is precious, remain vigilant and never take another day for granted.
“Pray before you leave the house. Nothing is bigger than God. I believe I was given a second chance,” he said.
SA Rainbow News will continue seeking comment from the South African Police Service and relevant authorities regarding the investigation, the reported withdrawal of the case and any further legal action.
All allegations contained in this report are based on the victim’s account and remain subject to police investigation and due legal process. Any suspects or accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
SA Rainbow News — Your Voice. Your Story. Your World.
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