Perth Uber driver allegedly attacked by passengers with metal rod

A Perth father-of-two was allegedly attacked by passengers wielding a metal rod while he was working as a ride-share driver.

Uber driver Usman Malik, 33, is recovering at Royal Perth Hospital after his family claims the attack by a group of passengers caused him to spin out of control and crash into a tree then a wall at Harborne Street in Wembley, about 4am on August 1.

“Usman was brutally attacked by passengers [and was] assaulted with a metal rod inside his vehicle,” Malik’s wife, Sumaira Arshad, wrote on a GoFundMe page set up in his support.

Video after the crash shows Malik shouting for help. A neighbour told 9News Perth he saw a passenger trying to rip the Toyota station wagon’s door off. A group was then seen on CCTV walking from the crash uninjured before emergency services arrived.

Arshad said her husband suffered a broken jaw and blood clotting near one eye, causing blurry vision.

Usman Malik is recovering in hospital.

She said he was expected to undergo specialist surgery and faced a lengthy recovery. They share two children aged three and six.

Arshad said Malik, who was also studying, was unable to work due to his injuries.

“He works tirelessly as a ride-share driver to support his studies, care for our children while I attend university, and manage heavy responsibilities both in Australia and back home in Pakistan,” she said.

As of Saturday night, the fundraiser had raised about $7000.

WA Police previously said they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with any information about the crash or alleged assault can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.

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