Cape Town – A video has surfaced online depicting an alleged attempted robbery that went awry, after a suspected criminal seemingly targeted the wrong e-hailing driver while en route to Mitchells Plain. The footage, shared by Fight Against Crime South Africa, has sparked debate and raised concerns about the safety of e-hailing services operating in the Cape Flats area.
The 36-second video clip begins with the driver confronting the alleged would-be robber, exclaiming in disbelief at the destination. The suspect, appearing frantic and breathing heavily, responds with a mumbled excuse.
Before the suspect can continue, the driver interrupts him, questioning his intentions. Another man seated in the back of the white Polo, where the incident is unfolding, is heard making a threatening remark.
The video then shows a group of men forcibly removing the alleged suspect from the back seat. After a brief struggle, he is pulled out by his clothes, still attempting to explain himself, until someone kicks him in the face. The alleged suspect then falls to the ground, seemingly unconscious.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=550294124174654
When contacted for further details about the incident, Fight Against Crime South Africa informed the Daily Voice that the video was provided anonymously. They stated that they had no additional information regarding the incident but would follow up to determine if a case was officially opened with the police.
The incident has brought the issue of safety for both e-hailing drivers and passengers into sharp focus. Abie Isaacs, the founder of the Cape Flats Safety Forum, commented on the increasing trend of criminals targeting e-hailing services, highlighting the inherent risks for all involved.
Isaacs explains: “The Cape Flats Safety Forum have noted the alarming rate of e-hailing drivers getting targeted by criminals. We appeal to all these drivers and passengers alike to be on alert at all times. We condemn any act of violence in the strongest terms.”
The video has elicited a range of reactions online, with many users sharing their own experiences and opinions on the matter.
One user commented: “There was an attempt in Eastridge with me too. Saw guys approaching me with knives. When they were near I made my pistol visible and ya they made u-turns. They need to be taught a lesson.” (sic)
Another added: “Everyone is trying to make a living, and they think it’s right to just rob, especially these Uber drivers who are trying to make it easy for those who don’t have transport.”
However, one user offered an alternative perspective on the incident, suggesting that the alleged suspect may have been a repeat offender known for booking e-hailing services with no intention of paying the fare.
She adds: "He didn't rob the driver, he books Ubers (e-hailing services) and when he gets to his destinations then he takes off.
"So, he booked this driver but because the Uber drivers were aware of him and shared his photo around the booked driver picked him up and told the other Uber drivers to get them on Prince George Drive and that is why they attacked him."
This incident is not an isolated one, as highlighted by a separate case in KwaZulu-Natal last week, where a 42-year-old man accused his e-hailing service provider employer of assault. The man claimed his employer assaulted and stabbed him on Saturday because he believed he had faked a hijacking the day before.
Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) were called to Shastri Park around 10:34. There they located the injured man who told them that his employer and another man assaulted him.
He said the afternoon before, he had travelled to Durban in his employer’s silver Toyota Etios. The car was then hijacked while he was robbed of his Huawei cellphone. He further stated that he spent the night under a bridge and only got assistance from a member of the public in the morning.
He was transported back to his employer’s residence and claimed the assault with a wheel spanner and stabbing then took place. It is believed that his employer suspected he had pawned the vehicle to a drug dealer. The man was taken to his father’s home and later to a medical facility, where he opened a criminal case against his attackers.
These incidents highlight the dangers faced by those working within the e-hailing industry, as well as the challenges in ensuring safety and security for both drivers and passengers.
In other news, Nelspruit police announced the arrest of four people wanted for various crimes, including murder, in an overnight operation.
Spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the operation began on Friday and continued into the early hours of the next day. The operation was in response to concerns raised by members of the Barberton community during their recent meeting with Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, who were unhappy with the time it took police to respond to criminal reports.
Mdhluli said police are urging the public to provide accurate information and to avoid spreading false narratives that could undermine their partnership.
The four arrested individuals were wanted for serious offences including murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, violation of a protection order, as well as housebreaking and theft. They are all expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 March.
Mdhluli said acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi expressed his appreciation for the swift and decisive action taken by his officers. Mkhwanazi further committed police to a heightened effort to combat crime in Barberton and urged the community to continue providing law enforcement with crucial information to effectively fight crime.
“More of similar activities must be expected as we tackle crime in Barberton. What we request is the space to execute our duties and we will do this without fear or favour,” said the general.
