The Western Cape E-hailing Association is demanding a public apology from provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile, accusing him of showing a lack of urgency in dealing with crimes against e-hailing operators.
According to the association’s deputy general secretary, Yusuf Moalim, e-hailing drivers are frequently targeted by violent crime but receive little to no protection from law enforcement. He contrasted this with the swift response following the violent attack on three DA Members of Parliament in Philippi earlier this week.
“This incident highlights SAPS can respond swiftly when privileged politicians are under attack, but where is that same urgency when E hailing drivers are shot murdered and brutally attached,” he added.
Moalim pointed out that Commissioner Patekile immediately mobilised resources in that case, with suspects swiftly traced and arrested.
“This level of urgency is what our drivers deserve too. Our members are part of the public transport system, and their safety should not be treated as secondary,” he said.
