UPDATE 13.00pm:
Two people were recently shot during an armed robbery after their Uber was followed from OR Tambo International Airport on 18 June. According to Constable David Mothapo, spokesperson for Sandton Police Station, “An Uber driver picked up two tourists at OR Tambo Airport to transport them to their hotel. On arrival, a BMW pulled up behind them.”
Mothapo said the victims were allegedly approached by two males brandishing firearms who proceeded to rob them of their luggage. “The tourists resisted when the suspects wanted to take their hand luggage. The suspects shot the male tourist in the shoulder and his wife was shot in the lower back.”
Mothapo said both victims are stable and being treated at the Morningside Clinic. The suspects fled the scene in a white BMW. The Uber spokesperson confirmed that the incident did not take place while the driver-partner was online, “The trip was not booked through the Uber app; it was a private trip arranged between the rider’s and the driver-partner and, therefore, this is not related to an Uber trip.”
READ: Another Uber attack: Uber calls for intervention from government and the police
“Uber is committed to the safety of all who use the Uber app, and constantly encourage riders to make use of the safety features, such as checking the driver’s name and photo, vehicle type and license plate number.”
“Uber has also introduced ‘vehicle colour’ into the app so riders are able to recognise their Uber rides even before they’re picked up,” the spokespeson added. “Uber has also recently partnered with multiple security response services that are able to dispatch security and medical services in emergency situations in a reduced time, in an effort to improve the safety of driver-partners.”
Original article:
Three armed men allegedly followed a couple from OR Tambo airport on Sunday morning in Morningside. The couple, who are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, had a caught a taxi to the hotel before being shot and robbed, according to Times Live.
The husband and wife are in a serious condition but stable, says Times Live. Gauteng police spokesman Captain Mavela Masondo told Times Live, “The taxi driver was dropping off the two guests at a hotel in West Road in Morningside just after 6am… when they were approached by three armed men in a white BMW. The men shot the couple and robbed them of their luggage‚ jewellery‚ cellphones and money.”
READ: Woman is followed home and robbed in Rivonia
He added that the police have launched a manhunt for the three suspects. The Sandton Chronicle is currently investigating for further information.
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