Well-Known Zim Uber Driver Found Dead in Cape Town

By A Correspondent-A well-known Zimbabwean Uber driver based in Cape Town, Arthur Phiri, has been found dead after he was allegedly hijacked while on duty, in yet another tragic incident highlighting the dangers faced by e-hailing drivers in South Africa.Zimbabwean history books

Phiri had been reported missing by friends and family after he failed to return home following a trip on Saturday night. According to relatives, he was last seen while transporting a passenger during an Uber ride. When attempts to reach him by phone proved unsuccessful, concern quickly grew among fellow drivers and members of the Zimbabwean community in Cape Town.

His vehicle was later discovered stripped in Nyanga, one of Cape Town’s crime hotspots. Bloodstains were reportedly found on the passenger-side door, raising fears that he had been violently attacked.

After days of searching, the family confirmed that Phiri’s body was located at the Salt River mortuary. Police are expected to conduct further investigations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

The killing adds to a growing list of violent crimes targeting e-hailing drivers across South Africa. In recent years, Uber, Bolt and other platform drivers have increasingly become victims of hijackings, robberies and murders. Criminal syndicates have been known to request trips using fraudulent accounts, luring drivers to isolated areas where they are attacked and their vehicles stolen. In other instances, tensions between traditional taxi operators and e-hailing drivers have also resulted in intimidation and violence.


Driver associations have repeatedly called for stronger safety measures, including improved passenger verification systems, better collaboration between e-hailing companies and law enforcement, and panic-button technology linked directly to police response units. Despite these measures, many drivers — particularly migrants who rely on e-hailing as a primary source of income — continue to work under constant risk.

Friends described Phiri as hardworking and dedicated, saying he was supporting his family through his work as an Uber driver.

Police have urged anyone with information related to the case to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop.

His death has once again sparked debate about the safety of gig economy workers and the urgent need for enhanced protection mechanisms for drivers operating in high-risk areas.

May his soul rest in peace.
Source: ZimEye