Another Uber attack: Uber calls for intervention from government and the police

Uber has confirmed another brutal attack of an Uber driver on the evening of 10 June, which follows a string of attacks on Uber drivers over the last few months.

Uber Africa spokesperson Samantha Allenberg said that their initial investigations found that a small group of unknown individuals set alight the Uber driver’s car while he was still in it. The man is currently in a critical condition in hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Allenberg said, “This incident is deeply upsetting to all of us at Uber. This driver-partner is part of our community. We are in contact with his family and we have visited him at the hospital. Our thoughts continue to be with him while we do all we can to help with the ongoing investigation to bring his attackers to justice.”

Allenberg said there are safety measures in place such as the Incident Response Team (IRT) which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond immediately to any reported incidents or accidents globally.

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However, Teresa Munchick from the group, The Movement, said she feels the situation is getting out of control and Uber has not done enough to help. She added that drivers rarely call the IRT because it takes too long to provide details and receive help.

Allenberg added, “While we are doing all we can to assist in preventing incidents and provide assistance to driver-partners and riders, we cannot do this alone – we need more support from the authorities and policymakers to help prevent and condemn these terrible crimes. We are now appealing for additional support from the Government and the South African police to assist in both the prevention of these crimes, as well as to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

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