PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ CHERAL-LEE LE ROUX
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.
On the evening of 14 November 2024, around 9om, a woman requested an Uber in Cape Town. While on her Uber ride, the driver’s route took her toward the intersection near the Castle of Good Hope and the Taxi Station in Cape Town CBD. When they stopped at a red traffic light, the… pic.twitter.com/HfAqEi579H
— Women For Change (@womenforchange5) November 18, 2024
Cheral-Lee also took to her Instagram page to demand some action and accountability from Uber.
X users weighed in on the matter:
#HoldUberAccountable @Uber_RSA @Uber used an uber in Cape Town on Saturday evening. driver started asking me really personal uncomfortable questions. Insisting I go on a date with him – I was petrified! Reported the incident and haven’t heard anything back from @Uber_RSA @Uber
— HoodPrincess (@melonie_brink) November 19, 2024
If you’re using Bolt, Uber or any other form of e-hailing, do not accept this driver, just call the police whenever you see him/car… pic.twitter.com/1R5YFOltHV
— Mbuso Ngwenya (@MbusoNgwenya14) November 19, 2024
My flat mate reported what we suspect was an attempted kidnapping. Last Thursday, we took an Uber from Cape Town CBD. The driver had two different GPS systems. He was not following the Uber GPS which was directing him to take a U-turn. https://t.co/lhJcegVoc0
— Kuhle. (@KuhleExplores_) November 19, 2024
Also see: WATCH: TikToker details the most terrifying Bolt ride | Bona Magazine
