Uber suspects rearrested
SANDTON – The Uber saga has turned into a ping pong match with suspects being arrested, let go and then rearrested once more.
As discussed in the Sandton Chronicle article, Nightmare ride in Uber, Week ending 9 September, this particular drama involves two separate Uber incidences of rape, kidnapping and hijacking. In the first instance, a 64-year-old woman took an Uber in Fourways and was subsequently raped and assaulted; and a similar tragedy was experienced by a couple who caught an Uber in Sunninghill.
In the Sandton Chronicle article, Uber suspects let go, Week ending 23 September, it was reported that two suspects were arrested in connection with the aforementioned crimes. However, these suspects were thereafter let go. Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini explained on 13 September that these suspects were then released. He added, ”The case has been temporarily withdrawn for further investigation. However, we are not saying the suspects are innocent.”
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Then, on 20 September, Uber spokesperson Samantha Allenberg explained that these suspect had been rearrested once again. “The good news is that the suspects were arrested again.”
Allenberg said, “At no time leading up to the attacks was the suspect’s profile matched to provide Uber rides to any of the victims.”
She said that she would like to once again stress that Uber riders need to take advantage of the safety features made available to them.
”Please remember to always check and confirm all driver and vehicle details before getting into the vehicle, even if the driver claims to be your Uber ride.”
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