File Photo
File Photo
Zalman Orlianski has succumbed to his injuries, eight days after he got into a physical confrontation with an Uber driver regarding a parking space at OR Tambo International Airport.
The pensioner suffered severe head injuries after the assault on Sunday 9 September and was taken to a nearby hospital in Johannesburg. After a week in intensive care, Orlianski passed away on Monday morning. As EWN report, Uber has since removed the man from its service and say that he has been arrested.
OR Tambo assault: Victim dies, attacker arrested
Samantha Allenberg is a spokesperson for Uber, and the company have moved to distance themselves from the drivers’ actions.
“This violent and aggressive behaviour is completely unacceptable. Upon learning of this we immediately removed the driver’s access to the app.”
Family confirm that the 71-year-old man left critically injured, following a fight with an Uber driver over a parking spot at OR Tambo International Airport, died yesterday evening.
“It is with great sadness (we confirm that) Zalman Orlianski passed away at 17H51 on 16 September”— Karyn Maughan (@karynmaughan) September 17, 2018
What lead to the OR Tambo assault?
Things are moving pretty swiftly with this case. The driver in question is due to appear at the Kempton Park Regional Court this morning to apply for bail.
Management staff reviewed the video footage ahead of making a statement to the press on Wednesday. They confirmed the drivers of a green SUV and a gold-coloured vehicle threw punches at each other after the SUV driver – Orlianski – kicked the fender off of the Uber car.
Despite airport security’s intervention, the two squared up again. OR Tambo officials say Orlianski poked the driver in the face before another brawl ensued. This time, the Uber driver knocked the 71-year-old to the floor and drove away.
SAPS are now reviewing the video footage – which suggests both parties succumbed to road rage – ahead of the suspect’s upcoming court case.
