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Anele Mdoda. Picture: Instagram
Uber South Africa said it is investigating the alleged rape threats made by one of its drivers to radio personality Anele Mdoda.
Mdoda has shared a harrowing experience of allegedly being threatened with rape by an alleged Uber driver.
The celebrity presenter shared the details on social media platform X (formally Twitter) in the early hours of Monday morning.
An Uber South Africa spokesperson told The Citizen that the driver’s behaviour was “unacceptable”.
“What has been described is completely unacceptable, and we have zero tolerance for this behaviour. We are immediately and urgently looking into this matter. Where a driver is found to be in breach of our Community Guidelines, their access to the platform is immediately removed, as the safety of everyone using the platform is a top priority.
“We are deeply committed to our responsibility of contributing to the safety of our communities and to providing the best possible user experience on the app, which is why we are always hard at work to improve safety on the platform,” said Uber on Monday morning.
Uber said it institutes immediate investigations if it is made aware of any incident on a trip.
“We investigate immediately and take appropriate action in line with our Community Guidelines. We also provide all riders with a range of safety features, including audio recording, RideCheck and an in-app emergency button.”
In a post on X, Mdoda thanked her followers for their support.
“Uber has reached out and is taking it seriously. I won’t comment further on the matter. Police are involved as well.
“Thank you for all the comments on this Uber saga, including the ones that say I am the one who is wrong. I am going to press charges today. Twitter won’t make sure that man does not threaten another woman again. The law will. Have a great day further, because I will,” Mdoda said.
In the post, Mdoda said she had ordered an Uber and selected the “don’t talk to me option”.
“My Uber driver tonight was upset that I had picked the don’t talk to me option. He then said: ‘In my country, we would rape you to teach you a lesson’ and I had to fake being on Instagram Live to get home safe.
“Then, when he got to my hotel, he started shouting at me, and I really recorded, and this is what ensued, and there was a couple that could see I was under duress. I apologise for my language. I was in danger,” Mdoda alleged.
Mdoda shared more about her ordeal.
“So after he threatened me with rape to keep in line, I started recording so that if anything happens to me, it’s on record. I faked being on Instagram Live. This was in Cape Town.”
Uber South Africa did respond to Mdoda on X.
“We are sorry to hear about this. Kindly provide us with a phone number/email address linked to your account and the trip date and time via DM to assist further. Appreciate your understanding.”
Journalist and presenter Heidi Giokos also responded to Mdoda, sharing her experience.
“I’m sorry you had to go through this, Anele. I’ve always said that Uber drivers in Cape [Town] are the worst. My stomach is always tied when I take an Uber. And here’s a clear example of what happens!”
ALSO READ: eNCA journalist Heidi Giokos opens up about attempted rape ordeal
The latest crime statistics released on Friday revealed that while contact crimes against women have shown an overall decline, gender-based violence (GBV) remained a critical issue in the country.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu released the third quarter crime statistics, covering the period from 1 October to 31 December 2024.
The statistics indicate that 11 803 rape cases and 2 188 sexual assault cases were recorded in the country during this period.
“Rape cases have increased in KZN [KwaZulu-Natal], Mpumalanga and the Free State, whereas other provinces have recorded decreases.
“This data serves as a stark reminder that GBV remains a critical issue requiring intensified interventions.”
ALSO READ: Even when threatened with rape, Carte Blanche’s Masa Kekana doesn’t back down from a story
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