Image : Supplied
An e-hailing driver has gone viral on social media after a harrowing robbery in Rylands, Cape Town, was captured on his dashboard camera. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 24 December, leaving the driver shaken but unharmed.
According to the footage, the driver was ambushed after being called to pick up a client. Upon arrival, a group of boys confronted him, with one brandishing a knife. “Do you want to f**ken die?” one of the boys threatened. Overwhelmed with fear, the driver pleaded, “Take everything, take everything.”
The group seized the driver’s cellphone, speed point machine, and cash. As they were leaving, one of the assailants asked if the driver was Muslim. Strangely, another returned, shook the driver’s hand, and said, “Salam,” before adding, “No stress, my guy,” as they fled the scene.
The robbery, which took place at 5:12 a.m. on Christmas Eve, has reignited concerns about the safety of e-hailing drivers. The Western Cape E-hailing Association chairman, Siyabonga Hlabisa, voiced his alarm.
“We have become targets,” he said. “I hope the government takes these incidents seriously and punishes those guilty of crimes against e-hailing drivers. We’re hustling for our families, but criminals target us. A driver is killed almost every day. I advise drivers to avoid certain areas during the festive season.”
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick Van Wyk confirmed that a case of robbery had been opened. “The victim was ambushed at Hadji Ebrahiem Crescent in Rylands. A passenger entered and threatened him with a weapon. Three others took his cellphone, speed point machine, and cash,” Van Wyk stated.
While no arrests have been made, authorities are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact Athlone police at 021 697 9238/39.
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