E-hailing driver robbed at gunpoint after eMalahleni pick-up
Passengers requested an extra stop at a taxi rank before pointing a gun at the driver and robbing him.
An e-hailing driver was held at gunpoint, forced to transfer money using his banking app, and robbed of his car in eMalahleni.
According to police, the incident occurred at 15:30 on September 30 when the driver accepted a trip request near a fast-food outlet in the CBD.
Suspects request extra stop
The driver told police he arrived at the pick-up point moments later and was approached by two men who claimed to have requested a ride to Ga-Nala.
Vosman SAPS investigates rape and robbery after woman reports being attacked with a bottle during e-hailing trip in Kromdraai. Read more: https://t.co/sr6XWQhnHB
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One reportedly sat in the front passenger seat while the other sat in the back. Along the way, the men requested a stop at a nearby taxi rank to collect two additional passengers.
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Moments after the two had been picked up, one passenger from the back seat allegedly pointed a gun at the driver while another strangled him.
The driver was moved from the driver’s seat and searched.
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After taking his driver’s licence and cellphone, the passengers ordered him to open his banking app, which they used to transfer money.
They then reportedly continued to drive around with the victim held captive for about an hour, before dropping him off at a remote location and fleeing with the car.
Police urge caution
No arrests have been made, and police investigations into the case are ongoing.
Warrant Officer David Ratau advised that e-hailing drivers should always make sure to verify passenger details on the app before starting a trip.
“They should also avoid accepting offline trips and stop allowing extra individuals to board the vehicle with the booked passenger,” Ratau said.
“If you find yourself confronted by armed attackers or hijackers, do not resist. Co-operating can save your life.”
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