InDrive Drivers Turn on Each Other as Fare Frustration Boils Over
A fierce internal conflict is erupting among InDrive drivers in Harare, as frustrations over low fare payouts spiral into threats, sabotage, and a brewing war within the ride-hailing community.
While many drivers are demanding a fare hike and protesting what they call “slave wages,” others continue to accept short rides priced as low as $2, triggering backlash from their peers who accuse them of sabotaging the collective struggle for better earnings.
Drivers who spoke to AfroGazette News say the platform’s pricing model is exploitative and unsustainable.
“For a $2 ride, I sometimes end up with just $1.74, from that, I have to pay for fuel, app top-ups, and still feed my family. It’s simply not worth it,” said Tawanda Moyo.
Tafadzwa Ncube, who’s been operating around Harare’s southern routes, added:
“A trip to Chitungwiza can cost you $5 in fuel alone, yet you walk away with cents. We’re doing all the hard work and getting nothing.”
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But the fight is no longer just between drivers and the platform—it’s now driver versus driver.
A faction of frustrated operators has declared what they call “Stage Revolution,” threatening to take down those who continue accepting $2 rides by deliberately tanking their driver ratings.
“Mangwana it’s Stage 2 of our Revolution. We are going to request you then rate you 1 star and say driver asked to cancel. Some of you your accounts will be blocked. Don’t accept $2 rides,” read a chilling anonymous message seen by AfroGazette news.
Another driver vowed to punish low-fare acceptors with false complaints:
“So tomorrow dakumbokushandai vanhu vena pondo. If you accept ride repondo, tobva taisa bad review plus 1 star.
“Ndoti bad driving, very rude, charge extra money, he was drunk… takaita 10 haaaa haufe wakaita ride futi.”
Admire Chikomo, another driver, says the infighting only highlights the desperation of workers trying to stay afloat.
“It’s sad that we’re now fighting each other instead of the system. But that just shows how broken it all is.”
Attempts to get a response from InDrive were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
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