Cape Town - A group pupils from Woodlands High School in Mitchells Plain are facing disciplinary action after they allegedly hijacked an Uber driver at gunpoint.
The incident, which happened on August 2, has since been brought to light by a witness.
The anonymous witness recalled that on Friday afternoon the Uber driver parked opposite the school.
“The group of boys were walking, then suddenly two turned around and pointed a gun at the driver, the others kept walking a short distance.
“The driver fought back, that’s when another of the boys turned around and came to help the two.
“Eventually the driver ran away and his key was still in the ignition.
“The boys sped off and picked up the other two on the way, but one fell out en route to Samora Machel’s direction.”
The witness said because the Uber driver raised the alarm, the community caught up to the boy who fell out of the car.
“They got hold of him and beat him. The cops came and arrested him and he then told the others and said the driver lives in Samora Machel.”
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed the incident and said Lentegeur police registered a carjacking case for investigation.
“An e-hailing driver was robbed at gunpoint of his vehicle. We can confirm that a 16-year-old male was arrested and appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court on August 5, where the case was adjourned to September 20.”
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson, Unathi Booi, said the school was contacted by residents alerting them that four learners from the school were fighting with community members.
“It is alleged that these learners attempted to hijack an Uber driver.
“One of the learners sustained injuries and received medical attention.
“The learners involved were arrested by SAPS and the matter is with SAPS.” Booi said the learners were back at school after serving their suspension, while the school is holding a disciplinary hearing this week.
Uber South Africa said they took the incident seriously.
“The safety and wellbeing of drivers using the Uber platform is a top priority to us and any form of criminal behaviour is against our Community Guidelines,” it said.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za