Police and Uber respond to attack and robbery
FOURWAYS - Douglasdale Police Station has confirmed that a case of robbery was opened after a Fourways woman was allegedly strangled and robbed in a vehicle posing as an Uber taxi.
The woman had to jump out of the moving vehicle on the night of 5 August and had to walk a long distance to her estate. Her son, Jared J Vonda Milsom posted the alleged incident on Facebook. The woman was reportedly treated at Fourways Life Hospital.
The station commander, Brigadier Lettie Hugo confirmed that the incident was reported to them and they were now investigating a case of robbery. “Yes I know about that case and investigations are underway,” she said.
Uber released a statement regarding the matter and has been in contact with the family. “This is a despicable crime, and first and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim and her family. We are in contact with the family and have offered our full support. We stand ready to assist law enforcement in any way we can to bring this crime to justice,” the statement read.
“We are deeply committed to the safety of the riders and drivers using the Uber platform. We encourage riders to make use of our in-app safety features on all trips.”
Meanwhile, a member of the public, Willem Tait, cast doubt on the safety of Uber taxis and called upon Uber to incorporate a more aggressive identification process of the drivers and vehicles that collect clients.
Tait also gave a number of suggestions for Uber to consider. “In a very small percent of cases, your app is contributing to placing people in vulnerable positions. It is all good and well to ask the public to stay alert but surely you know that people also use your service after a night out. Thus dropping their guard by default,” said Tait in response to the story that was carried by Fourways Review on 7 August
Also read Woman flees moving ‘Uber’ after being strangled
“Can you not incorporate a more aggressive identification process of the driver and the car when collecting someone? It is my understanding that you track your drivers collecting people. Are your drivers arriving on time? Are they maybe getting lost, thus opening a gap for criminals? Could it be that some drivers, maybe only one or two, are involved with this? Maybe have a good look at the previous incident at Montecasino and see if it was the same driver that should have collected the person.”
Another Fourways Review reader, Raymond Ntshangase, urged Uber to use female drivers only.
