Tshwane – Zweli Lushaba, a 37-year-old from Mamelodi East, Tshwane, is desperately trying to recover his car after a man he hired as an e-hailing driver disappeared with it. The incident has not only left him without a source of income but has also added to the growing concerns about the safety and security of e-hailing drivers in South Africa.
Lushaba bought a 2022 Suzuki Swift in February 2024, hoping to use it to generate income through e-hailing services. In November of the same year, he hired a man, trusting him with his vehicle under an agreement that he would hand over R2,300 every Tuesday.
"The problem started on 31 December 2024 as he was untrustworthy. He would come up with excuses for payment delays," said a frustrated Lushaba.
His worst fears were confirmed when the tracker company informed him that his car was being driven around Dennilton in Limpopo. On 2 January 2025, the driver called to wish Lushaba a happy birthday, which turned out to be their last communication.
Lushaba reported the matter to the police, hoping for a swift recovery of his vehicle. "I need my car because it belongs to me. I have a lot of stress, and the driver has betrayed him," he lamented.
Limpopo police spokesman Colonel Stephen Thakeng confirmed that Dennilton police were conducting visible policing when they spotted a suspicious-looking Suzuki Swift speeding off on Thursday, 2 January, around 11am.
"Members indicated to the driver to stop but he sped off, instead. A chase ensued. The driver took the direction of the Kerkvosfontein. The vehicle stopped, and he ran away, leaving the vehicle behind," said Thakeng.
However, the story took an unexpected turn when police searched the abandoned vehicle. "When members searched the vehicle, they found three passengers, and permission was granted for the search. One unlicenced firearm and ammunition were found inside the vehicle. Three suspects aged between 25 and 43 years old were arrested."
Thakeng confirmed that the suspects remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court on 3 March. "A manhunt for the driver and investigation continues," he added.
Lushaba's ordeal comes on the heels of another high-profile incident involving an e-hailing driver who was robbed at knifepoint.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with many identifying the perpetrators as members of the Incredibly Gifted Bastards [IGBs] gang in Hanover Park. Zubair Morris, Sufiyaan Scheepers, Imtiyaaz Davids, and a 17-year-old accomplice were subsequently arrested and appeared in court.
During the proceedings, Davids was identified as the individual who wielded the knife at Zaib. In a chilling detail, after the robbery, Davids returned to the vehicle to greet the driver, saying: “Salaam! [Are] you Muslim? Salaam!”
The Magistrate denied their bail application on Monday, citing them as a flight risk due to their initial fleeing of their homes after the video was widely shared on social media. The case has been postponed to 13 March for further investigations.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the outcome.
Speaking to the Daily Voice, Zaib expressed his relief at the court's decision but admitted he is considering a change of profession.
He explained: “I am happy that their bail has been denied and I hope that their time in prison will help them change their lives. I make dua for them because they are young and they have a chance to change their lives."
However, Zaib is finding it challenging to move past the incident. “I am also thinking about changing my job because after that video my face has become too well-known," he said. "Every second client who gets in my car says ‘Hey we know you, you are the guy that was robbed’."
He added: “Other times I may just be standing at a robot and people come up to me and say; ‘Hey, you Muslim? Salaam’. They repeat what the robbers said.”
These incidents highlight the vulnerability of e-hailing drivers and the urgent need for increased security measures to protect them from crime. As Lushaba continues his struggle to recover his stolen vehicle, the e-hailing community is calling for greater support and protection from law enforcement agencies.
