WATCH: Chatsworth e-hailing driver attack sparks calls for app-only trips
COMPLY
E-hailing drivers met outside the Chatsworth police station on Monday morning in an attempt to put pressure on the police to make an arrest after a driver was assaulted over the weekend at the Chatsworth Centre.
Image: Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
AN E-HAILING driver was attacked in Chatsworth, leading to urgent calls from the KZN E-Hailing Council for drivers to operate only through registered apps to enhance safety.
The council said they were made aware of the incident after the attack, which led to about 100 e-hailing drivers gathering outside the Chatsworth police station this morning.
They appealing to e-hailing drivers to only operate if they are registered with an app.
Secretary general of the council, Sthembiso Khanyezi, said they were pleased that the leadership at Chatsworth SAPS met with them today, despite not having a scheduled meeting.
“The police have received all concerns. They were inquisitive for more details, and we were glad to be able to share information with them.
“We are happy to confirm that a meeting has been secured with stakeholders in the transport sector. Meeting details will be shared by leadership at the police station and we will filter this information to e-hailing drivers on social media and through our channels so that they can show up in their numbers, like they did in Phoenix, to resolve the issues at hand,” he added.
Khanyezi said those operating without the app were causing confusion.
He said if a driver was not using the app, they were “stealing” work from the taxi industry.
“Without a live trip from the app, we are not e-hailing. That is where the confusion comes in. Some are using other methods to pick-up and drop-off passengers for money.
“The law says a police officer can stop you and request information and ask questions, but not civilians. If you do not use the app, this means you are stealing from the taxi association when you transport people outside of the app.
“That is the primary source of the problem. An e-hailing driver should have the app on live while they are doing the trip.
“The driver must be the same person shown as the driver on the app, and the car must be the same as the one shown on the app.
“We urge e-hailing drivers to avoid working without an app. Let us comply. If we comply, lawmakers will be able to assist us when we are harassed and assaulted,” Khanyezi added.