A Cape Town e-hailing driver narrowly escaped with his life on Christmas Eve after being ambushed in a robbery, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Multiple reports suggest that the incident took place in Mitchell’s Plain.
A SAPS statement reports that the incident took place at the Hadji Ebrahiem Crescent, Rylands in Athlone.
Dashcam footage from around 5pm shows the terrifying moment a e-hailing driver arrives at the pickup point.
Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town: e-hailing driver robbed.
⚠️ Language#CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/B9rGMeWorv— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) December 26, 2024
As the driver parks, a male suspect enters, grabs his left hand on the handbrake, and brandishes a hunting knife.
Moments later, a second suspect appears with a knife, followed by two more from the driver’s side and rear.
The suspects demand valuables, threatening the driver, before stealing his phone, speed point machine and cash.
In a strange twist, one robber shakes the driver’s hand before fleeing with the others.
The dashcam footage identifies the suspects, but they remain at large.
In August, JP Smith, the City’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security, said criminals are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern technology, using apps and social media tools designed to improve lives for illegal activities.
‘With much of this technology reliant on smartphones, criminals often target users of these platforms. Those working on e-hailing platforms and delivery services are often targeted much the same.’
Smith says Uber customers need to ensure the safety of their drivers by making sure they don’t wait too long on the street.
‘Use the app’s features to see their trip progress and meet them at the entrance, or where safe to do so, close to the road.
‘Avoid keeping them waiting where they can become victims.’
‘If you make use of an e-hailing service, ensure you have a personal profile completed, along with an extensive trip history.’
‘Avoid paying cash for trips – increasingly the drivers on these platforms will avoid these “suspicious” trips,’ adds Smith.
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Picture: Screenshot
