An e-hailing taxi driver has shared his distressing experience after being targeted by knife-wielding teenagers during a robbery in Rylands. Ali Zaib, the victim, spoke out days after dashcam footage of the Christmas Eve incident went viral, expressing his hope that the young perpetrators might reflect on their actions and change their ways.
The footage reveals the terrifying moments when four youths surrounded Zaib’s vehicle, with one brandishing a large knife. The attacker is heard demanding money in a menacing tone:
“Djy, jou ma se p***! Where is the money?”
Zaib, clearly fearing for his life, tried to defuse the situation, offering his belongings and providing the access code to his cellphone. The teenagers continued their demands, forcing him to empty his pockets and open the car’s boot.
The ordeal took an unexpected turn when one of the assailants in the front seat reached out, shook Zaib’s hand, and asked:
“[Are] you Muslim? Salaam!”
Zaib, a 36-year-old father of five originally from Pakistan, explained how the attack unfolded. After attending Asr prayers at the Habibia Mosque, he accepted a trip request to 1 Albert Road, Woodstock. Initially, only one teenager appeared on the road.
Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town: e-hailing driver robbed.
⚠️ Language#CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/B9rGMeWorv— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) December 26, 2024
“I did not think much of it,” Zaib recalled, “but then the others emerged, seemingly out of nowhere. When I saw the knife, my first instinct was to lower his hand, fearing he might stab me in the neck.”
Zaib remained composed throughout the ordeal but was deeply unsettled by the bizarre conclusion.
“When he turned and said ‘Salaam,’ it is second nature for a Muslim to reply ‘Salaam’ back… it means ‘Peace be upon you.’ Here this boy was committing such a violent act but ending it with a greeting of peace. I was shocked.”
After the incident, Zaib immediately reported the robbery to the Athlone Police Station and handed over the dashcam footage. He noted, however, that he was unaware of how the video ended up on social media.
“I installed that camera for safety reasons. I gave the footage to the police, the insurance company, and the company I drive for. Seeing it on Facebook was a shock,”
he said.
The online circulation of the video has led some individuals to come forward with information about the teenagers’ identities. However, Zaib pointed out that no one has disclosed their exact location in Hanover Park.
“I pray that Allah guides them to understand their wrongs, but justice must still be served. If these actions are not stopped, someone else could be hurt. I am just a father working to support my children.”
Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the robbery is under investigation. He outlined the sequence of events, stating:
“According to reports, the e-hailing driver received a trip request at Hadji Ebrahiem Crescent in Rylands. Upon arrival, a passenger entered and pointed him with a weapon. Three other unidentified individuals then entered the vehicle, taking his cellphone, speed point machine, and cash.”
Van Wyk added that no injuries were reported, and the suspects remain at large. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Athlone police at 021 697 9238/39.
