Increased Robberies, Attacks On E-hailing Drivers Reported

E-hailing drivers are fearing for their lives, following an increase in incidents of armed robberies and attacks by both clients and private taxi operators. According to the E-hailing Partners Council, both Bolt and Uber drivers are also get intimidated by members of the taxi industry.

The e-hailing drivers claim they are being harassed and chased away while picking up or dropping off passengers in certain areas.

e-Hailing services have transformed the transportation landscape of South Africa. Operators like Uber, In-Drive and Bolt have since become household brands, offering a convenient alternative to traditional minibus taxis. Despite this, numerous e-Hailing drivers have been targeted and sometimes killed for allegedly competing with the taxi operators for commuters.

Secretary-General of the Council, Melithemba Mnguni, says the harassment is becoming unbearable, as its having a negative impact on the drivers earnings.

The situation is bad and its been bad. It is really bad in Eastgate Mall, Southgate Mall, Sandton by the Gautrain Station, and the side by Michaelangelo, it is really bad. It is affecting drivers a lot on the earnings. So, a lot of times, it is affecting our earnings a lot of times it is affecting us where these guys would harass drivers and damage the car. They would hold drivers to ransom and extort money. So, these are some of the issues that drivers are faced with, says Mnguni.