While police maintain a strong presence in Sandton‚ Johannesburg‚ after three taxis were torched‚ drivers for the technology-based ride-hailing company Uber are calling on the government to do more to protect them.The ongoing tensions between Uber and metered taxi drivers escalated on Thursday night. TimesLIVE reporter Graeme Hosken was on the scene and reported hearing gunshots. Two Uber vehicles and a metered taxi were torched.Zweli Ngwenya, who represents Uber drivers through the organisation, The Movement‚ said they condemned the violence‚ but believed the police‚ government and their company, Uber SA, needed to do more to ensure their safety. "We have tried to engage all the parties and work hand in hand‚ but no one is responding‚" he said. "What happened in Sandton [on Thursday night] is really sad. [But] there are thousands of driver-partners and we cannot control everyone. We are the ones that are in danger. We are the ones receiving the beatings."Elaine Jack‚ precinct manag...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.