E-hailing crisis: 13 drivers killed in two weeks
Wave of violence against e-hailing drivers: 13 fatalities in two weeks, E-hailing Council reacts.
Image: Itumeleng English
South Africa is still reeling from the killing of e-hailing driver Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase at Maponya Mall in Gauteng, after he was shot and burned inside his car, while others were injured and e-hailing vehicles were torched.
The E-hailing Partners Council (EPCO) condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate and barbaric act.
"We are devastated by the unwarranted attacks against e-hailing drivers. We share our deepest condolences to the family, friends and e-hailing community. The intentional and barbaric killing, presumably with premeditation of e-hailing operator Mvelase, who was only 27 years of age, is condemned in the strongest of terms," EPCO said.
According to the organisation, the killing was not an isolated incident and followed a series of recent attacks on e-hailing operators, particularly in Soweto, Johannesburg and Tembisa.
On August 12, SAPS Lieutenant Colonel MJ Moletsane initiated a meeting following a death toll of 12 people in e-hailing-related killings within a week. Most of the victims were e-hailing operators, and investigations suggested that the murders were allegedly executions.
"While we take note of the grievances that are raised by our counterparts regarding operating licences and unfair practices on pricing and vehicle categories. However, it can never justify these senseless attacks against e-hailing drivers," EPCO said.
Senior general manager of Bolt South Africa, Lerato Mostoeneng, said the company was deeply affected by the tragedy. "It is appalling that anyone should lose their life for trying to earn an honest living. We can confirm that some of the targeted drivers also operate on our platform.
"We have reached out directly to drivers in affected areas to offer support and guidance and are actively engaging with authorities to strengthen protection measures in known high-risk zones," said Mostoeneng.
E-hailing company Uber also offered condolences to Mvelase's family. "While the drivers affected have been confirmed not to be registered on the Uber platform, the safety of every driver and rider using any e-hailing service should always be a priority, and it is something we take very seriously at Uber," said the company's spokesperson.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Gauteng branch distanced itself from the violence and condemned the attacks. "We urge members of the public to avoid speculation and unfounded accusations that automatically place the taxi industry at fault. Such assumptions not only harm the reputation of the industry,” said Santaco.
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