Uber spokesperson Jessica Gois said, “We are aware of an incident that took place in Sandton this afternoon involving intimidation and violence against Uber driver-partners. Authorities were notified and arrests have been made. The threats and intimidation against those who want to use Uber to boost their income is unacceptable.”
She added, “As driver and rider safety is our top concern, we are encouraging drivers to avoid the Sandton area for now. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
UPDATE: 2.45pm 20 May
According to Emer-G-Med, a shooting incident has taken place outside the Sandton Gautrain station at around 12.30pm on 20 May.
It is alleged that the incident is the result of an altercation between Uber drivers and metered taxi drivers. JMPD has closed West Street and Rivonia Road, as well as West Street and Stella Street.
Max Cohen, spokesperson for Emer-G-Med stated that a fight broke out between Uber and metered taxi drivers, resulting in three Metro police officers and two Uber drivers being assaulted with stones.
Emer-G-Med paramedics, as well as other emergency services are on site. Paramedics treated the three police officers and two drivers, who sustained minor to moderate injuries, before transporting them to nearby medical facilities.
Local authorities are on scene to investigate further.
Keragee Nayager, spokesperson for Gautrain, stated that passengers using the Gautrain are safe and that none of the passengers have been involved in the incident.
Journalist Andrei van Wyk has arrived at the scene.
An eye witness said an Uber driver was travelling along Rivonia Road when metered taxi drivers allegedly threw stones at the vehicle. A security guard said around four Uber vehicles were attacked, some had their tires slashed while others were damaged by stones.
It is alleged that the metered taxi drivers were throwing stones from the construction site opposite the Gautrain station. It is alleged that twenty-five to thirty metered taxi drivers were involved in the incident and it is claimed that they were chanting “Uber must fall.”
Metro police arrived on the scene and fire two warning shots, which dispersed the crowd.
“A fight broke out earlier today between metered taxi drivers and Uber drivers not far from the Gautrain station. Three Metro officers intervened but were injured when stones were thrown at them by the metered taxis,” said JMPD spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.
He added that no arrests have been made and the injured officers were taken to Milpark Hospital where they will receive medical treatment.
The investigation continues.
Motorists are urged to stay away from the area.
Chaos in Sandton #uberwar @PigSpotter pic.twitter.com/HmzB7P7MK9
— Adrian Roberts (@adrian_roberts_) May 20, 2016
@EMER_G_MED aattending to JMPD injured during stoning and shooting attack outside Gautrain station. #Sandton pic.twitter.com/aNrNBcV2jf
— Ilanit Liberman (@LanC_02) May 20, 2016
EMER-G-MED attending to a shooting outside the Sandton Gautrain station. 3 officers have been injured. pic.twitter.com/01IaYmTgD2
— EMER-G-MED EMS (@EMER_G_MED) May 20, 2016
