E-hailing driver arrested for using sleeping passenger's credit card

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A 30-year-old e-hailing driver from Zimbabwe was arrested for fraud on Wednesday. Police allege the driver accessed a sleeping passenger’s credit card during a late-night ride from Cape Town to Simon’s Town. The driver reportedly shared the card details with his brother in Europe, resulting in purchases worth R650,000. Police are investigating how the driver accessed the card and are warning others to stay vigilant.

Passenger’s Discovery and Initial Response

According to Police Spokesperson Andre Traut, the 21-year-old Danish passenger awoke to notifications of large purchases on his credit card. Suspecting theft, he attempted to contact the driver, but when this failed, he alerted Simon’s Town police. The transactions had already occurred, largely at luxury boutiques in Europe.

Police Sting Operation

Sergeant Henry Simons of the Simon’s Town Police Department devised a plan to catch the driver. Using a court phone to avoid suspicion, he booked a ride with the same driver. When the driver arrived, officers detained him on the spot, leading to his arrest.

Public Advisory and Safety Concerns

In response to the incident, police are urging e-hailing users to keep their belongings secure during rides. Many South Africans, including celebs, have expressed safety concerns when using e-hailing services, citing incidents of theft, violence, and driver misconduct. These incidents have led to a growing sense of unease, with passengers fearing for their safety during rides, particularly late at night or in poorly lit areas. They advise passengers to remain aware of their personal items and to check their financial accounts regularly for unusual activity.

Arrive Alive has complied a list of safety tips you can add to your e-hailing journey:

Verify the car and driver details: Always confirm that the car model, colour, and license plate match the details shown in the app before entering.
Share your trip details: Share your trip information with a friend or family member, including the driver’s name, car details, and estimated arrival time.
Stay alert at drop-off: When you reach your destination, stay alert and look around before exiting the vehicle to ensure there are no suspicious activities or people nearby.
Avoid distractions: Keep your phone in your pocket or bag while travelling to prevent distractions and reduce the risk of theft.
Check the route: If possible, track your journey using the map in the app to ensure the driver is following the correct route.
Use emergency buttons: Many e-hailing apps have emergency buttons – be sure to know how to use them if you need to alert authorities quickly.
Avoid late-night rides alone: Try to avoid booking rides during late hours, especially in areas that are poorly lit or known for higher crime rates.