An Uber driver in South Africa died of severe burns today after his car was set on fire amid concerns about threats from metered cab drivers who think the ride-hailing company is taking their business.
The man was attacked last month in the capital, Pretoria. Uber has assigned a team of former law enforcement officials to help police investigate the assault by a "small group of unknown individuals," the company said in a statement.
"There is no excuse for these violent acts," Uber said. "We know that these actions do not represent the entire industry, however, this violence and intimidation against those who choose to use technology apps, like Uber, must stop."
Uber also reported intimidation of its drivers and riders at stations servicing the Gautrain, a railway system that includes a stop at Johannesburg's main international airport. The company said it was providing "additional security measures" around the train stations and had requested an urgent meeting with South Africa's police and transport ministers because "they are the only ones who can move this forward."
