Uber asks authorities’ help

DRIVER SET ALIGHT: TAXI SERVICE APPEALS TO GOVERNMENT AND POLICE FOR PROTECTION

Unit of former law enforcement professionals ready to work with Saps.

Custom taxi service Uber is appealing for additional support from government and the South African Police Service (Saps) after one of its drivers was set alight this weekend in Pretoria.

This amid tensions with metered taxi drivers, who feel Uber is taking away their business.

“We are now appealing for additional support from the government and Saps to assist in both the prevention of these crimes, as well as to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Uber Africa spokesperson Samantha Allenberg said.

Uber, while being devastated by the brutal attack, also made it clear that “this sort of violence is completely unacceptable, unlawful and needs to stop”.

The driver in question was attacked by a small group of unknown individuals and his car set alight while he was in the vehicle, Allenberg said.

He sustained serious injuries and is currently in hospital in a critical condition.

“This terrible incident is deeply upsetting to all of us at Uber. This driver-partner is a part of our community.

“We are in contact with his family and we have visited him at the hospital. Our thoughts continue to be with him while we do all we can to help with the ongoing investigation to bring his attackers to justice.”

Uber has a team of former law enforcement professionals who are ready to work with and assist the police at anytime during their investigation, she added.

“There is no excuse for the violent acts.

“We know that these actions do not represent the entire industry but this violence and intimidation against those who choose to use Uber must stop.”

Allenberg said Uber understood the concern about the impact of Uber and its driver-partners on other operators’ businesses. But they are not interested in taking away anyone’s business.

“Our aim is to get people to give up their own personal cars and in a world like that, there is plenty of opportunity for everyone.

“We have also made it known that we welcome anyone who wants to use the Uber app.” – Citizen reporter