South Africa: Ridesharing vehicles torched near Pretoria September 13

Event

Three vehicles associated with ridesharing app Taxify were torched on Wednesday, September 13, after confrontations with taxi drivers in the Pretoria suburb of Sunnyside. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The arson attacks are the most recent in an ongoing feud between ridesharing drivers and taxi drivers throughout South Africa. Reports say the identities of the taxi drivers responsible have not yet been ascertained.

Context

Social unrest is common in South Africa, and a series of protests - some of them violent - have taken place surrounding the rise of ridesharing services in recent years. Uber entered the South African market in 2012, and conflicts between Uber drivers and unionized taxi drivers have been frequent. Taxify entered the market in early 2016. Violent clashes broke out between Uber and taxi drivers during a protest near Johannesburg on September 7. Multiple Uber and taxi vehicles were torched in Sandton, Gauteng, during the fighting. Reports say Thursday's clashes were the result of a disagreement over fares as the vehicles waited outside the city's busy Gautrain station. South Africa National Taxi Council (SANTACO)'s spokesperson attributed the violence to "unequal competition" from Uber.

Advice

Individuals present in Johannesburg and Pretoria are advised to monitor the situation, to anticipate potential transportation disruptions in the event of unrest, and to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.

On a separate note, individuals in the country - particularly in urban areas - are advised to be on guard against high levels of criminal activity and to maintain a low profile at all times. Be particularly vigilant after dusk and avoid traveling on foot after nightfall. Criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye. Drive with windows closed, doors locked, and all personal possessions hidden from sight.