Cape Town Uber driver arrested in kidnapping attempt

by Zintle Mdaka

A Cape Town Uber driver has been arrested after Cheral-Lee le Roux was brutally attacked, held at knifepoint and almost kidnapped by four accomplices.

Cheral-Lee was on her Uber ride from her complex to Greenpoint when the driver’s route took her towards the intersection near Castle of Good Hope and the Taxi Station in Cape Town CBD. When they stopped at a red traffic light, the driver did not attempt to move when the light turned green.

Speaking to IOL, she said: “At this point, four men quickly entered the vehicle and began to brutally attack me, kicking, scratching me at knifepoint, and also tried to rape me while ripping my dress up and down and exposing me. It became very clear to me at that point that the Uber driver was part of the attack and possibly even knew the perpetrators. They did not take his phone or any of his belongings,” she narrated.

According to Women for Change, the 27-year-old managed to break away from her attackers and had to be treated in hospital for her injuries. “Following the attack, a case was opened, and the incident was reported to Uber. While the company initially contacted Cheral-Lee, she has yet to receive any meaningful follow-up or support. Uber’s silence has been deafening.

“Shockingly, SAPS has reportedly confirmed that this incident mirrors other similar cases that have been reported. This was not only a robbery but points to an attempted kidnapping. The ongoing violence against women using e-hailing services is a growing crisis. This latest attack is another reminder that women’s safety cannot be taken for granted,” noted Women for Change.

Cheral-Lee also took to her Instagram page to demand some action and accountability from Uber.

 

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A post shared by Cheral Le Roux (@_cheralleroux)

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