Kaya News Reporter
e-Hailing services Uber and Bolt are concerned over the recent spikes in attacks on their drivers in Gauteng. Last month an Uber driver in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni was assaulted and sustained severe injuries.
The attack was allegedly orchestrated by members of the Katlehong People’s Taxi Association. Gauteng MEC for public transport and roads infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo condemned the attacks.
“I am appalled by the level of savagery and hate displayed by the individuals who perpetrated this act of violence. These acts are unacceptable and must be condemned. We pledge our solidarity with the victim and wish him a speedy recovery,” said Mamabolo.
Video of the assault on the driver, known as Mulalo was shared on social media. He can be seen lying on the ground while being whipped with a sjambok repeatedly.
Over the weekend a Bolt driver was assaulted in Soweto and his car badly damaged. According to reports the incident occurred when the driver was picking up passengers from Soweto Mall.
Tensions between e-hailing drivers, metered taxi drivers and taxi associations in the country began in 2017.
Since then a Gauteng Taxi Summit held in 2019 by the Gauteng department of roads and transport made strides to root out violence in the sector.
Apart from attacks on drivers, many reported being barred from entering malls for pick-ups.
Uber and Bolt drivers face intimidation by metered taxi drivers and taxi drivers who lined up at the designated pick-up areas at malls.
Both Uber and Bolt condemn the attacks on their drivers and are calling on government intervention to curb further attacks.
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