Uber drivers are sometimes "arrested" for taking trips in certain areas.The South African Federation of Trade Unions has appealed to the taxi industry to ensure that Uber and Bolt drivers are not harassed by their members.
This comes after reports of Uber and Bolt drivers being intimidated by members of the taxi industry who would allegedly harass them while dropping off or picking up customers at malls and in certain areas.The drivers would also be forced to stop using their apps and start using the Shesha app which is a domestic e-hailing app linked to the South African National Taxi Council and the National Taxi Alliance .
“In the case that Uber and Bolt drivers are found transporting passengers, it is reported that they are illegally “arrested” fines ranging between R1 500 and R15 000 are demanded from them,” he said. Vavi said government and law enforcement agencies should ensure that all e-hailing drivers are safe regardless of which app they are using.“SAFTU is appalled by the lax attitude of the government to the violence and harassment that has plagued the e-hailing industry, in which other taxi operators have attacked, extorted and killed e-hailing drivers,” he said,“Government must enforce its laws to protect its liberal constitution.