KWANDENGEZI - An e-hailing driver is living in fear after a violent confrontation in KwaNdengezi, in KwaZulu-Natal, which has been captured on video and widely shared on social media.
The driver was allegedly attacked and threatened by three armed security guards while transporting passengers.
The suspects, aged 28, 41, and 49, have been arrested and are expected to appear in court.
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This is the latest in a series of violent clashes between e-hailing operators and the taxi industry in KwaZulu-Natal.
Earlier this year, a Durban Bolt driver was allegedly assaulted and extorted outside Phoenix Plaza.
The driver’s family spoke to eNCA on condition of anonymity, saying he remains deeply traumatised and fears for his safety.
"He is deeply traumatised because he was even unable to sleep last night. We were also unable to get hold of him; he is afraid, and he is even afraid to come home. This situation is really sensitive because we can’t tell our grandmother, who he lives with, since she is very old, so we don’t want to stress her," the family member said
The family members said they were made aware of the incident on social media.
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What was concerning to the family was why he had to be attacked
"This is just trying to make a living the right way, without involving himself in drugs, so when something like this happens, we end up asking ourselves how could this happen, why him, why are they fighting him, he is a young man, why didn’t they talk to him properly?” the family member questioned.
The KZN Transport MEC has condemned the incident and urged the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority to act decisively against those responsible.
He said the guards are in clear violation of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act.
With investigations underway, the spotlight shifts to the armed security guards caught on video.
Officials warn that those responsible will face consequences. They're assuring commuters and e-hailing drivers that action is being taken to protect the industry and prevent a repeat incident.