The dangers of e-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt have recently come under the spotlight after etv current affairs programme Checkpoint aired an episode that shocked many South Africans
During the exposé, journalists spoke to a number of app users who shared their harrowing experiences of being robbed, assaulted and even raped by drivers who are registered with the app.
And it seems celebrities are not immune to safety risks either; The Bachelor SA season one contestant Mbali Mkhize has also used the opportunity to speak out about her own scary experience – and lucky escape!
The fashion blogger and influencer recently revealed that an Uber driver once threatened to rape her during a trip from hell!
Alone & feeling vulnerable in an Uber or Lyft? Here’s what to do:
She tweeted: “I’m asking my Uber driver what route is he using…Then he responds “I’m taking you to a bush so I can rape you””.
I’m asking my Uber driver what route is he using,
Then he responds “I’m taking you to a bush so I can rape you”
I’m going to jump out of this car!!!
— IG: MbaliMkh_ (@MbaliMkh_) October 2, 2020
Following the driver’s shocking admission, Mbali used her quick wit and decided to jump out of the car and flee at a busy intersection.
. We approaching a busy road. I’m going to jump off and run
— IG: MbaliMkh_ (@MbaliMkh_) October 2, 2020
I’m safe
— IG: MbaliMkh_ (@MbaliMkh_) October 2, 2020
Mbali admitted the incident left her traumatised and confused, especially after the driver laughed off her fears by claiming he was “joking”…
I got out the car and started crying, and I just ran.
I didn’t have to but I’m losing my mind
— IG: MbaliMkh_ (@MbaliMkh_) October 2, 2020
He said “oh I’m joking” when he saw my reaction,
Who would ever find something like that funny?
— IG: MbaliMkh_ (@MbaliMkh_) October 2, 2020
She also revealed the name of the driver and registration number of the car that had picked her up.
Rameetse
Red Toyota Etios
JF57KCGP— IG: MbaliMkh_ (@MbaliMkh_) October 2, 2020
Uber caught wind of her tweets and promised to follow up with a full investigation.
Hello there, we are extremely concerned to hear about this. Please send us the phone number linked to your Uber account in a DM along with more details regarding what happened and the driver-partner’s name so that we can make things right.
— Uber Support (@Uber_Support) October 2, 2020
Meanwhile tweeps have been sharing advice on how to avoid potentially dangerous situations whilst using the app.
Take a look at their wise words…
Ladies.
If you request and uber/bolt and it arrives it’s not the driver,car or number plate that is stated on the app
Cancel the ride immediately and request again.I don’t care how mad they get ! YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST. #Hawks #Checkpoint #uber #bolt #gomoramzansi #kefilwe— Hope Mbolekwa (@HopeMbolekwaa) October 6, 2020
Yey I don’t care how mad the uber/bolt driver gets
If it’s not his name,face,car and number plate stated on the app
CANCEL THE RIDE AND REQUEST AGAIN. #Gomora #uber #Uzalo #Checkpoint hawks #BOLT #bolt #humantraffickingawareness #HumanTrafficking #kefilwe
— Hope Mbolekwa (@HopeMbolekwaa) October 6, 2020
As a bolt driver myself have someone who will have the police on speed dial…drivers are renting out their profile for R2500 and now that puts us loyal and hard working drivers at risk
— Tinyiko Msweli (@TinyikoMsweli) October 6, 2020
People if u decide to use bolt, Uber or taxify, try and inform those close to you, make sure the driver is the same person as on app, be careful out there it’s not safe, avoid putting yourself in desperate situations :pray:
— Jay #StayTrue-:registered: (@jaybug1313) October 6, 2020
You can also watch the full Checkpoint episode below to find out more about how to stay safe…
