Uber South Africa says one of its driver who was arrested for various crimes last week had passed all clearance tests before being hired by the taxi service.

Spokesperson for the buddy sharing system‚ Samantha Allenberg‚ said the driver who is set to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of rape‚ assault‚ robbery and kidnapping was arrested following a tip-off by Uber to the police.

 “Prior to this individual’s deactivation and arrest‚ he held a valid Professional Driver’s Permit and he cleared all background checks — there was no evidence of a prior criminal record. Driver-partners wanting to use the Uber app must undergo a pre-screening process‚ which includes a criminal background check‚ before their driver profile is activated‚” she said.

 “At no time leading up to the attacks was the suspect’s profile matched to provide Uber rides to any of the victims. As soon as there was any suspicion he may be involved in the incidents‚ as a precaution‚ his account and access to the platform was blocked. When we identified the suspect after an internal investigation‚ we notified the police immediately.

 “It is our standard practice to immediately suspend any individual who may be involved in suspicious activity pending further internal and/or police investigation.”

Two Uber drivers and a security guard are facing various criminal charges in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court following their arrests last week.

Allenberg added that Uber is in contact with family members and victims of the attackers.

“First and foremost our thoughts continue to be with the riders and their families‚ with whom we’ve been in contact from the start. We are grateful to police for their work to bring these two individuals to justice‚“