A 35-year-old Uber driver and father has been left unable to work after being robbed at gunpoint by two teenagers while on duty in the Wetton-Ottery area last Saturday, highlighting the risks faced by ride-hailing drivers in quieter suburbs.
The driver, who doesn’t want to be identified, has been driving for six years. He said two young people: a male and a teenage girl, around 15 requested a ride from Chrystal House in Swallowcliffe Drive and then threatened him with a firearm, cocking it and putting it against his head.
“The request that came through was from a foreigner who is also an Uber driver, so I went, with the intention of fetching a colleague.
“When I got there a girl came walking to the car, I was confused and reached to my phone to check the identity of the person who requested, then she opened the door and the boy with the gun got in, he cocked it and put it against my head.
“When I saw the gun, I pushed the boy’s hand away, I grabbed my phone and ran out,” he recalled.
“They stayed behind and took my wallet with my cards and documents and searched my car. They even took the radio. I feel violated and it’s hard to explain the fear when someone points a gun at your head, I just thank God I am alive.”
The driver believes the robbery may have been targeted.
“the person who requested the ride was a foreigner and also a driver; in my mind, they robbed another driver and were going to do the same with me by using my phone to request someone else. When the police showed up, they showed me photos of suspects, I recognised the one. The police said they are known in the area.
“They then went into the squatter camp and brought someone out but I didn’t recognise him, so I am hoping people will come forward to help me.”
He also shared the impact on his family.
“At the moment, I am not working. My family is suffering. I can’t even put food on the table.
“My car is damaged and now has problems, so even when I want to drive, I can’t. It’s frustrating and heartbreaking.”
The driver urged caution for other drivers. “It’s not that the place is dangerous or bad; it’s just the informal settlement these people use. Thank God for sparing my life. I just want other drivers to be careful. You never know who you might pick up.”
Police confirmed the incident. Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the incident and said according to reports, the victim was robbed of his personal belongings when a male and a female requested an e-hailing service on 10 January 2026, at about 18:20, in Swallowcliffe Road.
“The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the suspects to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.
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