Uber driver survives horrific acid attack

The 33-year-old driver suffered serious injuries after the perpetrator doused him in acid during a hijacking. 

The driver's vehicle had been hijacked in Northcliff. 

Gauteng police spokesperson Kay Makhubele says no arrests have yet been made. 

"We are calling for anyone with information about the suspect to come forward. The matter is under investigation." 

Uber confirms it is one of their drivers. 

Uber Africa spokesperson Samantha Allenberg says the incident is "deeply upsetting".

"We're investigating the incident and have reached out to the partner's family to check on his wellbeing and offer our support. We stand ready to help the police with any information needed for their investigation." 

Uber driver hijacked, assaulted

ER24's Werner Vermaak says the driver sustained serious chemical burns. 

"Paramedics from ER24 and a local security company arrived on scene shortly after 02:00 on Milner Street in East Town, Johannesburg, where they found the man on the side of the road. He had sustained severe chemical burns to his face and hands. According to the man, he arrived at his drop off location and was assaulted by his passenger and thrown liquid substance was thrown onto him."

There's been a spate of attacks on Uber drivers in Gauteng over the past two months. 

In one of the most recent attacks - an Uber driver's vehicle window was smashed in traffic in Hillbrow. 

An Uber driver died as a result of his injuries in July. His car had been petrol bombed outside Loftus Versfeld in June.

National police spokesperson Vish Naidoo says they're concerned with the ongoing violence. 

He says strict instruction has been given to ensure high police visibility in hotspot areas.