By Karabo Marifi
The City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, has expressed his outrage and sorrow following the tragic and “senseless killing” of an e-hailing driver during an armed robbery in Berea. A disturbing video, now circulating widely on social media, shows the shocking moment when the driver was shot by robbers while attempting to make a living.
The graphic footage has sent shockwaves through the Johannesburg community, depicting two men standing beside a white vehicle before one opens fire on the driver. The video has fueled public outrage, with many demanding immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We are deeply disturbed by this heinous crime, allegedly committed over a cellphone. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones,” said Tshwaku in a strongly worded statement. He vowed that the City of Johannesburg would not tolerate such acts of violence and urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to work tirelessly to apprehend the suspects.
Details of the Incident
The e-hailing driver, whose identity has not yet been revealed to the public, was fatally shot during what appears to have been an armed robbery. According to witnesses, the perpetrators had allegedly posed as passengers before turning violent and killing the driver in cold blood. The crime took place in broad daylight on a street in Berea, with the entire act caught on camera and subsequently shared across various social media platforms.
In the footage, the white vehicle is parked on the side of the road, while two men can be seen talking to the driver. Moments later, shots ring out, and the driver collapses, leaving many questioning the safety of e-hailing drivers who often work in high-risk areas.
Community Outcry and Safety Concerns
The video of the killing has sparked outrage not only within Johannesburg but across the country, as many South Africans took to social media to voice their anger and concern. The killing highlights the growing problem of violent crime targeting e-hailing drivers, who are becoming increasingly vulnerable to such attacks.
Numerous e-hailing drivers have expressed their fears, sharing their experiences of working in unsafe conditions. Many of them rely on platforms like Uber and Bolt to make a living, but the risk of robbery, hijacking, and violence has grown significantly over the past few years. These drivers are often lured to dangerous areas where criminals wait to ambush them.
“I am heartbroken and scared for my life,” said one driver who witnessed the video. “Every day we face the risk of being attacked. We need better protection.”
MMC Tshwaku’s Commitment to Increased Safety
Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku has vowed to take immediate steps to ensure that e-hailing drivers, as well as the broader public, feel safe while moving around the city. He outlined several measures that the City of Johannesburg will implement to increase security and prevent further attacks on e-hailing drivers.
Tshwaku emphasized that the city’s public safety strategy will be strengthened in three key areas:
1. Increased Visibility and Patrols in Hotspot AreasThe city will intensify patrols in areas known for high crime rates, including Berea, Hillbrow, and other parts of central Johannesburg. JMPD officers will be deployed in greater numbers to provide a visible presence, deterring would-be criminals and responding swiftly to emergencies.
2. Collaborating with E-Hailing Companies
The City of Johannesburg plans to engage with companies like Uber and Bolt to improve safety measures for their drivers. This could involve better GPS tracking, emergency response features, and direct lines of communication between drivers and law enforcement agencies. “We will work closely with e-hailing companies to find practical solutions that protect their drivers from these horrific incidents,” Tshwaku said.
3. Engaging the Community to Promote Vigilance
Tshwaku stressed the importance of community involvement in ensuring the safety of residents and e-hailing drivers alike. He encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activities and provide information that may assist the police in their investigations.
“We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist the authorities in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We will not tolerate such brazen acts of violence in our city,” Tshwaku stated. He also reassured the public that high-density police operations will continue in areas such as Hillbrow, which has been a hotspot for drug dealers and violent crime.
E-Hailing Driver Safety: A Pressing Concern
The tragic killing in Berea underscores the broader issue of safety for e-hailing drivers in Johannesburg and other urban centres in South Africa. E-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt have revolutionized the transport sector, providing job opportunities for thousands of drivers. However, this new form of work has also made drivers vulnerable to criminals who exploit the nature of the job.
In recent years, e-hailing drivers have increasingly reported being targeted by criminals who pose as passengers, luring drivers into dangerous areas where they are robbed or attacked. Many drivers have called for more protection, including the introduction of security features like panic buttons, dashcams, and stricter vetting of passengers.
In response to these growing concerns, e-hailing companies have taken steps to enhance safety measures. Uber, for example, has introduced a “RideCheck” feature, which uses GPS and sensors to detect if a trip goes off course or if there is an extended stop. However, drivers continue to report incidents of violence, particularly in areas where crime is prevalent.
“We are constantly working to improve the safety of our drivers and riders. We are in contact with law enforcement agencies to assist in this tragic case and ensure that justice is served,” an Uber South Africa spokesperson said.
SAPS Investigation and Public Cooperation
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a full-scale investigation into the killing of the e-hailing driver. According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo, detectives are actively following up on leads and reviewing surveillance footage from the area to identify the suspects. The police have also urged members of the public who may have witnessed the crime or have information to come forward.
“We appeal to anyone who may have seen something or knows anything about this crime to assist us in our investigation. The quicker we can gather information, the sooner we can make arrests,” Captain Masondo said.
SAPS has also reiterated its commitment to working with the JMPD and other law enforcement agencies to curb violent crime in Johannesburg. In response to the incident, there will be an increased police presence in areas known for high levels of crime.
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