Soweto e-hailing drivers fear for their lives amid rising attacks
The Lions E-hailing Organisation has called for urgent intervention following a rise in hijackings, assaults and killings targeting drivers in the area.
E-hailing drivers in Soweto say they are living in fear following a rise in violent attacks, hijackings and killings targeting drivers while on duty.
The growing concern has prompted the Lions E-hailing Organisation to call for urgent intervention to improve safety measures and protect drivers operating in the area.
According to the organisation, several incidents have recently been reported involving drivers being robbed, assaulted and, in some cases, killed while responding to trip requests.
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The organisation’s deputy secretary-general, Thabang Shibane, said the situation has become increasingly alarming and requires immediate action from authorities and community stakeholders.
He stressed that stronger safety interventions are needed to prevent more innocent lives from being lost to criminal activity.
Shibane highlighted a recent incident in Meadowlands Zone 5 near Dube Hostel, where an e-hailing driver was shot and killed after allegedly responding to a trip request.
The incident has intensified fears among drivers, many of whom rely on the industry as their primary source of income.
The organisation has appealed to communities, law enforcement agencies and e-hailing structures to work together to improve driver safety and combat violent crime targeting the sector.
