Police were on “high alert” in Sandton on Thursday evening after two vehicles, believed to be Uber taxis, were set alight near a Gautrain station, a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said the two drivers escaped unharmed.<\/p>\n
“According to the drivers, they were sitting in the cars when a group of men poured petrol into the vehicles and set them alight.”<\/p>\n
Masondo was unable to say how many men were involved in the incident.<\/p>\n
He said the situation “remained tense” after a group of Uber drivers retaliated.<\/p>\n
“A few Uber drivers have headed towards meter taxis with stones in their hands. Police are on scene and monitoring the situation.”<\/p>\n
One meter taxi was stoned in the process.<\/p>\n
Stun grenades and rubber bullets were used to disperse a group of roughly 50 people, Masondo said.<\/p>\n
No arrests have been made.<\/p>\n
Uber spokesperson Samantha Allenberg told News24 that one of the vehicles was registered with the service.<\/p>\n
They were investigating whether the second vehicle is also registered with Uber, Allenberg said.<\/p>\n
“Any situation where driver safety is put at risk is absolutely unacceptable to us. That people are choosing violence and threats against those bringing choice in transportation is completely unacceptable.<\/p>\n
South Africa National Taxi Council (Santaco) spokesperson Thabisho Molelekwa said the violence was sparked over \u201cunequal competition\u201d from Uber.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government issues permits to Uber drivers while they are operating on the same routes we are operating on. Government can\u2019t issue permits for existing routes,\u201d Molelekwa said.<\/p>\n
\u201cUber used to say it doesn\u2019t matter because they are an app, but that excuse doesn\u2019t work anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
Molelekwa said while taxi operators are frustrated, it does not excuse any act of violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe condemn any form of violence be it from the side of taxis or from the side of Uber drives. We cannot condone violence because the commuter will ultimately suffer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to find a way to involve all parties without placing commuters in danger.\u201d<\/p>\n