AN e-hailing driver who survived an armed hijacking in Wentworth on Thursday morning (November 28) is relieved but traumatised after the incident. It is alleged the victim was responding to a request to pick up passengers at Percy Johnson Road in Wentworth.

Also read: Two suspects arrested after hijacking and high-speed chase

Police spokesperson for eThekwini, District Captain Carmen Rhynes, said, “Upon arrival he was approached by a man who climbed into the back seat and requested that he wait for the other passengers, as they needed to take an elderly person to Wentworth Hospital for treatment.

“A second passenger entered and climbed into the front passenger seat. The man then withdrew a firearm and demanded the driver’s cellphones and cash. The other suspect at the back of the vehicle ordered him to get out and they drove off in his car. The vehicle was later recovered by Wentworth SAPS in the vicinity of Gavin Road in Jacobs. A case of carjacking is currently being investigated by Wentworth detectives.”

Also read: E-hailing driver survives botched hijacking in Merebank

“The vehicle was recovered abandoned at a dead end in the Jacobs area. The driver was grateful to PT Alarms Tactical Unit and conveyed his thanks for the swift recovery of his vehicle,” said  Dhevan Govindasamy, spokesperson for PT Alarms.

The KZN Ehailing Council called on the e-hailing companies to enhance safety and security for drivers and passengers.

Chairperson of the council Sipho Mabika is concerned about the alarming number of e-hailing drivers who are being assaulted while at work.

Also read: Suspect caught selling dagga to children in Lamontville

“We have made suggestions to the e-hailing companies to enhance their security systems so that all users upload their ID numbers and photos when using the app. The system should also require users to complete a self-verification process by taking a photo of themselves while requesting an e-hailing service. This will minimise the chances of criminals posing as passengers,” said Mabika.

Wentworth and Merebank have seen an increasing number of cases involving e-hailing drivers.

In an e-hailing incident in Merebank, the driver escaped injury when his two armed passengers tried to rob him on November 13.

The victim was travelling on the M4 towards Merebank to pick up his passengers. The SUN established that the two suspects had requested the vehicle which they had decided to hijack.

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