Tshwane police are now investigating a case of murder after an Uber driver who was burnt inside his vehicle died on Monday morning. The driver is said to have been in ICU for weeks. He is said to have died from injuries he sustained during the attack near Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on June 10.
The driver’s car was petrol bombed allegedly by metered taxi drivers. Uber drivers recently launched a petition calling on the Minister of Police to intervene and stop ongoing violent attacks.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of this tragic news. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family during this difficult time and we will continue to offer our support. We are assisting the police in their investigation in every way possible‚” said Uber Africa spokesperson Samantha Allenberg.
“This incident is deeply upsetting to all of us at Uber. This driver-partner is a part of our community. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. We have a team of former law enforcement professionals who are working with the police to support their investigation‚” Allenberg said.
Police spokesperson Kay Makhubela said: “We will be changing the case from attempted murder to murder and malicious damage to property and our investigation continues.”
There have been several attacks between Uber vehicles and metered taxi drivers, but this is the first time a driver has died.