A 31-year-old Cuban delivery worker was tragically shot in the chest on Friday night at the intersection of Máximo Tajes and Capri streets in the Carrasco Norte neighborhood of Montevideo, Uruguay. The incident occurred when two assailants attempted to steal his motorcycle.
According to reports from Telenoche and corroborated by other sources, the attackers approached the delivery driver on foot with the intent to rob him. The victim, employed by the PedidosYa platform, resisted and engaged in a struggle with the criminals, who then shot him in the chest.
Medical personnel arriving at the scene confirmed the man's death. The attackers fled without taking the motorcycle or any of the worker's belongings, leaving his body on the sidewalk next to his vehicle. The victim had no criminal record.
The Montevideo Police Homicide Department has taken charge of the investigation. Security cameras in the area are expected to aid in identifying those responsible.
This incident marks the third murder of a delivery worker in Montevideo within just ten days. Among the previous victims was Juan Carlos Mendoza, a 62-year-old Venezuelan delivery worker, killed under similarly violent circumstances. This wave of crimes has sparked a large protest by delivery workers at Plaza Independencia, in front of the Executive Tower, demanding safety and justice.
Colleagues who arrived at the scene after hearing the news expressed deep shock. One recounted the event: "The guy was just delivering his order, and those guys came to take his bike. He let go of the bike, and they shot him in the chest right there, and he's dead."
Another delivery worker — likely Cuban, based on his accent and language — mentioned that he had been the target of an attempted armed robbery just a month earlier, merely four blocks from where this incident occurred. This situation highlights the insecurity faced by workers of these delivery platforms in Uruguay, a country that saw over 22,000 Cubans arrive by 2025.
Security Concerns for Delivery Workers in Montevideo
What measures are being taken to improve safety for delivery workers in Montevideo?
The Montevideo Police Homicide Department is investigating the recent crimes, and security cameras in the area are expected to assist in identifying the perpetrators. Additionally, protests by delivery workers are placing pressure on authorities to enhance safety measures.
How many delivery workers have been killed in Montevideo recently?
In the span of ten days, three delivery workers have been murdered in Montevideo, highlighting a worrying trend of violence against these workers.
What was the reaction of the delivery worker community to these incidents?
The delivery worker community has responded with significant protests, gathering at Plaza Independencia to demand increased security and justice for their colleagues.