Watch: Anele Mdoda shares terrifying experience with Uber driver who threatened to rape her in Cape Town

Watch: Anele Mdoda shares terrifying experience with Uber driver who threatened to rape her in Cape Town! South African media personality Anele Mdoda has shared a distressing experience she had with an Uber driver in Cape Town, detailing how the encounter left her fearing for her safety.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Anele posted a series of videos in which she described the harrowing ordeal, revealing that the driver allegedly threatened her with rape after she chose the “don’t talk to me” ride preference on the Uber app.

Her revelations have since sparked outrage online, with many social media users calling for Uber to address the issue immediately and ensure stricter measures are in place to protect passengers, especially women.

A Ride Turned Nightmare

Anele recounted how her journey quickly turned uncomfortable when the driver took offense to her choice of the “don’t talk to me” setting, which allows passengers to opt for a silent ride.

Anele Mdoda shares terrifying experience

She explained that the driver became visibly agitated, and as the trip progressed, he allegedly made a horrifying comment that left her shaken.

“My @uber driver tonight was upset that I had picked the ‘don’t talk to me’ option. He then said, ‘In my country, we would rape you to teach you a lesson,’ and I had to fake being on Instagram Live to get home safe,” she wrote.

Fearing for her safety, Anele began recording the interaction, ensuring that there was evidence in case the situation escalated further.

Watch:

My @uber driver tonight was upset that I had picked the don’t talk to me option. He then said

“ in my country we would rape you to teach you a lesson” and I had to fake being on instagram live to get home safe

Then when he got to my hotel he started shouting at me and I… pic.twitter.com/yBlOF5z0cr

— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) February 23, 2025

So after he threatened me with rape to keep in line I started recording so that if anything happens to me it’s on record. I faked being on instagram live.

This was in Cape Town. @Uber_Support @Uber_RSA

Watch till the end pic.twitter.com/78XhUQx1uO

— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) February 23, 2025

Anele’s Smart Thinking Helped Her Get Home Safely

Understanding the potential danger of the situation, Anele said she had to think quickly to protect herself.

Realizing that the driver could become even more aggressive, she pretended to be live-streaming on Instagram, hoping that it would deter him from doing anything harmful.

This quick thinking possibly prevented the situation from worsening, as she managed to reach her destination safely.

Driver’s Aggression Didn’t End There

Even after arriving at her hotel, the driver continued his aggressive behavior, causing an even bigger scene.

According to Anele, the driver shouted at her loudly, drawing the attention of bystanders who witnessed the altercation.

Despite the terrifying experience, she remained composed and later used her platform to speak out against the incident, urging Uber to take serious action against such behavior.

Calling for Action Against Uber

Following her ordeal, Anele called out Uber, demanding that they address the issue and ensure that drivers who pose a threat to passengers are held accountable.

“So after he threatened me with rape to keep in line, I started recording so that if anything happens to me, it’s on record. I faked being on Instagram Live. This was in Cape Town,” she wrote.

Her posts immediately went viral, with fans, fellow celebrities, and women’s rights activists rallying behind her and demanding justice.

Many online users also shared their own horrifying experiences with ride-hailing services, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter safety measures.

The Bigger Issue of Passenger Safety in South Africa

This incident has reignited concerns about women’s safety when using public transport and ride-hailing services in South Africa.

Many women have spoken out in the past about feeling unsafe in ride-share vehicles, with reports of harassment, threats, and even assault surfacing over the years.

Advocacy groups have long called for better screening processes for drivers, as well as more effective response systems for passengers who find themselves in dangerous situations.

What’s Next for Uber?

As the story continues to gain traction, many are waiting to see how Uber will respond to Anele’s allegations.

While the company has a safety policy and features like emergency buttons, the effectiveness of these measures has often been questioned, especially when incidents like this occur.

Uber has previously promised to improve safety measures for passengers, but this latest event highlights that there is still a long way to go in ensuring that all riders—especially women—feel safe and protected when using the service.

Final Thoughts

Anele Mdoda’s terrifying experience has once again shined a light on the ongoing issue of women’s safety in South Africa.

Her quick thinking and decision to record the incident may have saved her from a potentially dangerous situation, but her story serves as a stark reminder that ride-hailing services need to do more to vet their drivers and implement stronger safety protocols.

As people continue to demand answers, Uber will need to take action—not just for Anele but for the countless others who have faced similar nightmarish encounters.