E-hailing driver found dead in Elsies River

AN E-HAILING driver was found stabbed to death in his vehicle on Friday morning in Elsies River.

​Reports indicated that a grey Fiat Picanto was blocking the corner of Balvenie and Norwood Road around 6am on Friday morning.

​When police arrived at the scene at 6.10am, the vehicle was locked, and the front passenger window had to be broken to gain access to the driver. 

​They found the driver unresponsive, with blood found on the rear bumper.

Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed the circumstances and that Elsies River police are investigating a case of murder.

​Van Wyk reported: “Circumstances surrounding the death of a 34-year-old foreign national whose body was discovered in a vehicle [on Friday, 6 February] at about 06:10 at the corner of Balvenie and Norwood Road, Elsies River are under investigation.  

​”Elsies River police registered a murder case for investigation.

Several warnings have gone out about the dangers of e-hailing drivers who are targets in Elsies River.

​A resident who wants to protect her identity said, "This is not the first time something like this has happened. 

“These jongens are known as the Uber robbers. They request ‘Ubers’ (e-hailing services) just to rob the driver and after taking the driver’s phone and money or whatever they can find, then they still hurt the driver.

“They are a group and their main target is Uber (e-hailing) drivers.”

​Chairperson of the Western Cape E-hailing Association Siyanbonga Hlabisa warned that e-hailing services to and from Elsies may be halted if violence against e-hailing drivers continues.

​Hlabisa explained: “Elsies River is a no go zone for us. We are currently running a campaign and visited Elsies River and areas alike to create awareness and work with the community. 

“We are also busy with another campaign to work with the Community Police Forums and the South African Police Service and authorities in different areas to try and prevent things like this from happening.

“If it happens continuously then there will be no e-hailing services in areas like Elsies River and these red zone areas.”

Police are appealing to anyone with any information about this incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.