Uber facing lawsuit from passengers

E-HAILING service Uber is facing a multimillion-rand lawsuit from passengers who claim they were raped, robbed and attacked in its cars.

In papers filed in the High Court, sitting in Ekurhuleni, some of the victims claim up to four men, including an Uber driver, went on a crime spree targeting clients in the north of Joburg.

Elias Mankgane, 26, Daniel Maswikaneng, 23, Themba Mkhwanazi, 19, and Bonga Sikhosana, 26, are standing trial on three counts of rape, four of robbery, three of kidnapping and a count each of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempted rape and attempted murder.

Lawyers for seven victims accusing the men of the crimes are also drafting papers to sue Uber for damages.

Yesterday, Ulrich Roux, representing two women in the case, said he would represent all seven victims in the civil matter. “We will seek compensation from Uber for trauma, medical costs, future medical costs and future trauma.”

Mankgane is accused of masterminding a plan to rob and sexually assault passengers. On July 6, 2016, he allegedly picked up a female passenger in Fourways and “deprived her (of her) liberty by tying her handsand forcing her into the boot of the motor vehicle”. He then apparently stole her bag containing her bank card.

He is also accused of “strangling her with an object”, and is facing two charges of rape after he allegedly penetrated her with his fingers and penis.

On the same day, Mankgane allegedly picked up another woman and allegedly raped her twice before she was thrown down a steep embankment. On August 2, 2016, he is said to have attempted to rape another female passenger. He also allegedly took her three bank cards and withdrew money.

Uber said yesterday: “Our thoughts continue to be with the riders and their families; these incidents are deeply upsetting.” Uber handed information to police and “this close collaboration” led to the arrest of a suspect.