Uber South Africa has once again come under fire after a 27-year-old woman was assaulted by four unknown men while inside an Uber vehicle last week, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Also read: Cape Town woman jumps from Uber to escape kidnapping
Cape Town resident Cheral Le Roux told The Daily Pod that she was travelling in a white Suzuki Uber from her home to Green Point at around 9:40pm on Thursday, 14 November, when the incident occurred.
‘The Uber stopped at a traffic light on Strand Street. Although the light turned green, the driver didn’t move,’ the publication quoted her as saying.
Moments later, four men forced their way into the vehicle, held a knife to her throat and began attacking her.
‘One of the men reached under my dress and tore my clothing, leaving me exposed,’ said Cheral, adding that the Uber driver – who she believes is complicit to the crime – sat silently and did not intervene throughout the ordeal.
Cheral managed to escape from the vehicle, and the men fled the scene. However, while attempting to seek help, she was robbed of her necklace.
In a state of desperation, Cheral reluctantly returned to the Uber.
‘I begged the driver to drop me off at my original destination. After continued pleading, he finally took me to Greenpoint, where my boyfriend arrived to help,’ she added. ‘He tried confronting the Uber driver and asked for his driver’s license. However, the driver only showed his passport before speeding away.’
Following the assault, a case was opened with the police, the incident was reported to Uber, and Cheral required hospital treatment and trauma counselling.
Also read: Cape woman assaulted and nearly kidnapped by e-hailing driver
‘Uber, are you going to take some action or accountability?’ Cheral asked in a Facebook post, adding that the statement released by SAPS ‘does not match [her] four-page victim statement one single bit’.
Having reached out to SAPS for the statement, Cape {town} Etc received the following statement:
‘Cape Town Central police opened a robbery case following an incident that took place on Thursday, 14 November 2024, at around 9:40pm in Strand Street, Cape Town.
‘According to reports, the complainant was walking at the mentioned address when she was approached by a group of males that threatened her with a knife and demanded all her belongings and ran away.’
‘No one has been arrested as yet, investigation continues.
‘Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.’
According to a statement by NPO Women For Change, Uber SA initially contacted Cheral but she has not received ‘any meaningful follow-up or support’ since.
‘Uber’s silence has been deafening,’ Women For Change added. ‘The ongoing violence against women using e-hailing services is a growing crisis. This latest attack is another reminder that women’s safety cannot be taken for granted.’
The e-hailing service told News24 that an internal investigation was underway, adding that all new drivers go through rigorous signup and vetting processes to ensure they meet Uber’s safety standards.
‘The safety of riders and drivers on the platform is a top priority. We are deeply concerned about the incident and are actively investigating the matter,’ the publication quoted Uber SA as saying.
‘We are working closely with the relevant authorities to provide any necessary assistance and will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action as needed.’
Calling for immediate and tangible action, Women For Change said Uber SA fails to take accountability for its inadequate vetting process.
‘Once again, [Cheral’s] driver’s details did not match the person registered on Uber,’ said the NPO. ‘It’s time to #HoldUberAccountable and call for safer rides for everyone. Enough is enough!’
Echoing the sentiment, Cheral concluded her Facebook post, stating: ‘Our women are being killed, raped and traumatised on a daily basis, you need to do better’.
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Picture: Misha Jordaan / Gallo Images
