Strandfontein – A Cape Town e-hailing driver is at the centre of a police investigation after a shooting incident that left one alleged robber dead and another seriously injured in Strandfontein on Wednesday. The incident has sparked debate about self-defence and the vulnerabilities faced by e-hailing drivers in the city.
According to Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, Strandfontein police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Sergeant Twigg’s statement detailed the events: "According to reports, an e-hailing driver brought his clients to Strandfontein when they tried to rob him at gunpoint. The driver retaliated and shot his attackers. One adult male was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel, while the other was taken to a medical facility for treatment. No arrests have been made yet. Strandfontein detectives are investigating cases of murder, attempted murder, carjacking and attempted robbery. Anyone with any information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 1011."
The incident has highlighted the precarious situation faced by many e-hailing drivers, a sentiment echoed by Sandy Schuter, chairperson of the Strandfontein Community Police Forum. Schuter stated: "The drivers are simply trying to earn a living. It's crucial that we prioritise the safety and well-being of these hardworking people. We urge e-hailing service providers to increase safety measures for drivers; the inability to pre-screen customers poses a significant challenge. We urge the authorities to work closely with the companies to develop effective solutions that protect drivers from potential threats. We also call on the community to report any suspicious activity and support our efforts to create a safer environment for everyone."
Criminal law attorney William Booth offered legal perspective on the potential consequences the driver might face. He explained the legal framework surrounding self-defence: "When it comes to citizens defending themselves, the law dictates there had to be an attack or an imminent attack. In that kind of situation, you are allowed to shoot somebody or stab them or cause their death to defend yourself, somebody that you are with, and, in some instances, even your property. It all depends on the circumstances."
Booth emphasised the importance of a thorough investigation to determine whether the driver acted within the bounds of self-defence. He highlighted the procedural steps involved: "It's not sensible in the case where there is self-defence that somebody is automatically arrested. The police must investigate and speak to witnesses to determine whether or not this is a genuine case of self-defence. Thereafter, the docket is sent to the National Prosecuting Authority to decide whether there is a case or not." He further explained that if self-defence is established, an inquest into the death of the suspect would be opened.
However, Booth also cautioned against excessive force in self-defence situations. He noted: "There are instances where people went too far when it came to self-defence. In instances where someone attacks and then runs away and you shoot them in the back, which might be exceeding the bounds of self-defence."
Other factors, according to Booth, that will play a crucial role in the investigation include whether the driver legally possessed the firearm used in the incident and whether he remained available to the police after the event. He added: "Issues that might come into play in this case included whether the driver was legally in possession of the firearm and whether, after being interviewed by police following the incident, he was easily accessible and did not just disappear immediately afterwards."
Remarkably, after the robbery, one of the youths unexpectedly said "Salaam!" to Zaib, a devout Muslim. Zaib recounted: “When he turned and said ‘Salaam’ it is second nature for a Muslim to say ‘Salaam’ back… it means ‘‘Peace be upon you’. Here this boy was committing such a violent act but ending off and saying ‘Salaam’. I was shocked.”
Zaib reported the incident to Athlone Police Station, providing them with the dashcam footage. Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the investigation: “According to reports the e-hailing driver received a trip request at Hadji Ebrahiem Crescent in Rylands. On his arrival a passenger entered and pointed him with a weapon, three other unidentified men entered the vehicle and took his cellphone, speed point machine and cash. No injuries sustained. No suspects has been arrested as yet.”
He urged anyone with information to contact Athlone police on 021 697 9238/39. Zaib, despite his ordeal, expressed hope for the rehabilitation of the perpetrators, stating: “I hope Allah shows them the error of their ways but the justice system must take its course. If they are not stopped this will continue and someone will get hurt. I was very scared. I am just a father working for my children."
