Calls for safety reforms after e-hailing driver is murdered

Killing of Isaac Satlat in Pretoria West has highlighted the vulnerability of drivers who pick up criminals disguised as passengers.

- By Bheki C Simelane

Tella Masakale, spokesperson for the National E-hailing Federation of South Africa (Nefsa), said safety measures introduced by e-hailing companies are not sufficient to combat the continuing attacks on drivers.

"Current safeguards remain largely reactive and app-based, with limited real-time intervention capability," Masakale said. "Drivers continue to face exposure to robberies, hijackings and fatal attacks, and therefore more robust preventative and enforcement-linked solutions are required."

He said the industry was experiencing an increase in attacks on drivers, pointing out recent violent incidents in Phoenix, Durban; Elsies River, Cape Town; and Atteridgeville, Pretoria. "This trend appears linked to organised criminal activity exploiting platform anonymity, economic pressures and inadequate rider verification processes."

Drivers have often complained that Uber and Bolt are hardly ever present when they need them the most. According to Nefsa, driver feedback frequently highlights their frustration with response delays, automated support systems and a lack of on-the-ground intervention regarding safety issues.

"Although escalation channels exist, they do not always meet the urgency required during violent incidents. Nefsa continues to engage platforms on improving responsiveness, accountability and local operational support," Masakale said.