Western Cape police are searching for an Uber driver accused of harassing well-known radio and TV personality Anele Mdoda during a ride to her Cape Town hotel over the weekend.
News24 has reported that Mdoda has opened an intimidation case against the driver, and this was further confirmed by police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg. ‘The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrest has been made yet,’ he said.
The 947 breakfast show host took to social media to share her account, alleging that the driver made an unsettling remark about rape and continued to harass her throughout the ride.
Thank you for all the comments on this uber saga including the ones that say I am the one in the wrong. I am going to press charges today. Twitter won’t make sure that man does not threaten another woman again. The law will. Have a great day further, because I will.
— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) February 24, 2025
In a two-part video Mdoda recorded from inside the vehicle, she is seen speaking to her followers: ‘What’s up guys. I am live on Instagram… just wanna make sure that you are here as I get home safely to my hotel so I can do my regular show in the morning at 6am [on] 947. Yep this is the guy, I’ll tell you guys about… shouting, wanting to disrespect me… Yeah, face the other way, face the other way my guy.’
Before striking her phone, the driver can be heard saying, ‘Can you get out of my car?’
The second video captures Mdoda continuing to challenge the driver. ‘Say it again. He is an asshole,’ she says to another person whose voice is heard in the background. ‘Say it again! I am recording him on purpose… you threatened me all the way home. Go, got your licence plate…’
Anele Mdoda shares disturbing encounter with Uber driver in Cape Town
South African media personality Anele Mdoda recently recounted a distressing experience with an Uber driver in Cape Town.
On the evening of February 23, 2025, Mdoda opted for Uber’s “don’t talk to me”… pic.twitter.com/6LaXUJbO0k
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) February 24, 2025
The Western Cape E-Hailing Association is aware of the video, with chairperson Siyabonga Hlabisa stating that he has instructed officials to meet with the driver to understand his version of events. ‘Looking at the video, we currently don’t know where exactly this all started,’ he said.
Hlabisa welcomed the fact that Mdoda reported the incident to authorities. ‘As the association, we do not promote such types of conflict between a rider and driver. It’s also of utmost importance that riders use features on the app that record conversations from the time they get into the vehicle.’
He acknowledged that not all e-hailing apps offer this feature, which could make it difficult to verify disputes. ‘It must be stressed that such incidents must always be reported to the police,’ he said.
Uber has reached out and are taking it seriously. I won’t comment further on the matter. Police are involved as well. Thank you. ?
— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) February 24, 2025
Hlabisa also highlighted the importance of educating both drivers and passengers on app features that allow riders to select a preference for silent trips. ‘We understand that not all our drivers would understand these options very well. Some e-hailing apps just install these options but don’t consult the drivers.’
He urged the police to fully investigate the matter. ‘We are happy Anele opened a case, and whatever happens with her and the driver must take its course. But as the association, we do not condone any violence at all,’ he said.
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Picture: Oupa Bopape / Gallo Images
