Uber drivers avoid townships
UBER drivers are pressing the “no thanks” button on their Uber app more frequently if they see it is a trip to some townships, and residents there who want to use the taxi service over the festive season may have to make other plans.
This is especially after an Uber driver was shot seven times when he picked up two passengers and drove them to Belhar. He died behind his wheel.
Uber drivers who spoke on condition of anonymity said they feared to take trips to areas such as Khayelitsha, Delft, Philippi, Gugulethu and Nyanga at night.
After the death of the Congolese driver, Chris Divoko, 29, they added Belhar to their list.
He was shot dead on Saturday after dropping off passengers who hailed the taxi in Bellville.
“The incident scared us all and I am angry,” said a colleague and friend also from DRC. “We have questions we want answered, as he was a humble person, a well-known and well-liked driver. He didn’t know anyone in Belhar and what is confusing is nothing was stolen. I went to the scene, I saw his lifeless body.”
To promote safety, Uber announced new features in October to make things easier for driver partners in South Africa, allowing them to choose when, where and how they drive, and including a “No thanks” button.
The “No thanks” button gives drivers the flexibility to turn down trips without having to worry about how it will affect their earnings. It allows drivers to decline a trip immediately, rather than wait for the request to time out.
A commuter, Siphokazi Zanazo, said three drivers turned down a trip to Gugulethu where her friend stays. She said her friends and others in the township were concerned as more events are coming up next month.
Another driver said as soon as he finds another job he will stop being an Uber driver. “We need money, but my life and family are more important. It’s not worth it, especially at night. The worse part about this job is when something happens, the company always distances themselves, your family doesn’t get anything,” he said.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said a murder docket had been opened for investigation after the death of the driver in Violin Crescent, Belhar.
Samantha Allenberg from Uber, said: “Our thoughts are with the driver partner’s family during this difficult time. While there is nothing to indicate this has anything to do with Uber, we will support the police investigation.”