Cab Drivers Hold Vigil for Murdered Colleague


Force entry into ride app Bolt's HQ on Power Road


The cab drivers arrive at Bolt's HQ for the vigil. Picture: ADCU

A group of cab drivers came to Chiswick earlier this week to hold a vigil for a murdered colleague.

Gabriel Bringye, was stabbed to death in his car in Haringey on 17 February. Four teenagers have been charged with his murder.

Mr Bringye, operated his cab through the Bolt hire network which has its headquarters in Power Road Chiswick.

The vigil for Mr. Bringye on 24 February was organised by the App Drivers & Couriers Union which wants Bolt to provide compensation to Mr. Bringye's family

When the group of about 40 drivers arrived at the premises they were refused permission to enter by security staff but after an exchange of words they proceeded into the industrial estate to hold their socially distanced act of remembrance.

They lit candles and laid flowers outside Bolt's office and then held a minute's silence.

Gabriel Bringye
Gabriel Bringye

App Driver & Couriers Union President, Yaseen Aslam said, 'My heart goes out to the family of Gabriel Bringye at this sad time. The assault and abuse of private hire drivers has become far too common place in London whilst Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police have done far too little to address the problem. We are now calling for a complete organisational overhaul at TfL and the Met Police Cab Enforcement Unit so that driver safety & security is appropriately prioritised.”

A Bolt spokesperson said, 'We appreciate the importance of acknowledging a personal tragedy has taken place and that some would like to pay their respects to Gabriel Bringye.

'We're in regular contact with the family of the driver. We have offered our condolences and are continuing to support them in any way we can during this difficult time. We have always allowed drivers and the public to leave their flowers and messages of support, with our own, at our Hub provided that the current UK Government COVID-19 guidance is adhered to.

'We're continuing to highlight the in-app features available to drivers which help reinforce driver safety and protection on the relevant channels in light of this sad event.”

 

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February 28, 2021