E-hailing drivers across South Africa, particularly those operating on platforms such as Uber and Bolt, are facing a marked increase in targeted robberies, assaults, and hijackings. Criminals frequently pose as passengers through app bookings to steal vehicles, cellphones, and cash, with many incidents occurring during late evenings or early mornings.
A high-profile case in February 2026 involved the murder of 22-year-old Nigerian national Isaac Satlat, an e-hailing driver. He was strangled inside his vehicle after picking up passengers in Pretoria West. The suspects forced the driver to stop, robbed him of his cellphone, and hijacked the car. Dashcam footage captured the attack, which was later shared widely. Satlat’s body and the vehicle were recovered in Atteridgeville. Four suspects, including Dikeledi Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), and McClaren Mushwana (30), have been arrested and charged with murder and robbery, with a fourth suspect also appearing in court.
The National E-hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA) has confirmed that violent crimes against drivers are not isolated events but part of a pattern ongoing since 2015—more than ten years. The federation has repeatedly called for the government to establish a dedicated e-hailing task team to tackle the specific criminality affecting the sector.
Other recent incidents include the assault and extortion of a driver following a passenger drop-off at Phoenix Plaza in Durban, as well as the stabbing death of another driver in Cape Town. In Gauteng, criminals have increasingly lured drivers under the guise of legitimate rides before robbing them at gunpoint. One attempted robbery in Eldorado Park saw suspects shot during the confrontation.
Data from 2020 to 2024 shows a considerable rise in assaults, robberies, car hijackings, malicious damage to property, and murders directed at e-hailing drivers. Common risks include armed attacks, unauthorised route changes, and fare disputes, particularly in isolated or high-crime areas at night.
National carjacking statistics reflect some improvement overall. The South African Police Service recorded 4 778 carjackings in the January-to-March 2025 quarter, a 12.3% decline from the previous year. Sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes accounted for 44% of targets, followed by bakkies and panel vans at 33.1%. Gauteng continues to dominate, with 57.5% of incidents occurring in the province.
Despite the broader decline, the Road Freight Association has reported a dramatic increase in hijackings specifically targeting e-hailing and courier vehicles, driven by the perceived value of their cargo and onboard items.
New national regulations that took effect on 11 March 2026 require e-hailing vehicles to be fitted with panic buttons and visible branding. Industry groups have welcomed the safety features but noted the financial burden these impose on drivers. Calls continue for stronger passenger verification—such as biometric or ID-linked checks—real-time GPS route sharing, in-app emergency alerts directly connected to police, and dedicated rapid-response units in known hotspots.
E-hailing remains a vital part of daily transport in major cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban. However, the persistent threat of robbery and violence has left many drivers operating in fear, prompting sustained appeals for coordinated action between platforms, law enforcement, and government authorities to improve vetting, response times, and overall protection measures.
The pattern of attacks since 2015, combined with the latest documented cases and rising sector-specific incidents, underscores that while general vehicle crime shows modest improvement, the risks unique to e-hailing demand urgent and targeted intervention.
Tragic School Stabbing in Khutsong Leaves Grade 9 Learner Dead
KHUTSONG – A 16-year-old Grade 9 learner has been fatally stabbed at Badirile Secondary School in Khutsong, prompting the Gauteng Department of Education to immediately deploy psychosocial support services to the affected school community.
The incident took place on Thursday morning when a fight erupted between two learners on the school premises. A 17-year-old Grade 10 learner allegedly stabbed the younger pupil during the altercation, leaving the victim critically injured.
The wounded Grade 9 learner was rushed to a nearby clinic for emergency treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed that the department has dispatched a dedicated psychosocial support unit to Badirile Secondary School. Counselling sessions for learners and educators impacted by the tragedy are scheduled to begin on Friday.
Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the stabbing. In the meantime, the school has initiated its own internal disciplinary procedures.
The Gauteng Department of Education has appealed to parents to partner with schools in efforts to prevent violence among learners, emphasising that such incidents carry devastating and far-reaching consequences.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the 17-year-old suspect has been arrested.
Serious Crash Involving Two Side Tipper Trucks on N10 Between Daggaboersnek and Cookhouse
A serious crash involving two side tipper trucks took place on the N10 highway between Daggaboersnek and Cookhouse in the Eastern Cape on Thursday morning.
The collision occurred near the Bedford turn-off on the stretch between Daggaboersnek and Cookhouse.
Traffic alerts confirm the incident and urge motorists to approach the area with caution while expecting delays.
No further details on the cause, injuries or road conditions have been confirmed at this stage.
- Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Issues Warning to Taxi Operators During Address on Taxi Conflict
- E-Hailing Drivers in South Africa Face Persistent Attacks and Intimidation from Taxi Operators and Patrollers
- One Killed, Two Seriously Injured in Head-On Collision on N3 Near Cato Ridge
- Two Teenagers Arrested After Security Guard Killed at School Gate
- Double Murder in Chochocho: Mpumalanga Police Search for Suspects After Couple Shot Dead
Armed Robbery Suspects Captured in Phoenix Operation
Phoenix, South Africa – Authorities have broken up a group linked to several armed robberies in the Phoenix region after a joint effort by KZN VIP and SAPS Phoenix officers on Wednesday morning.
Over recent months, KZN VIP and SAPS Phoenix gathered intelligence and followed leads from community reports of armed robberies happening in the mornings throughout Phoenix.
Using this information and tracking methods, teams identified the suspects’ vehicle, which directed them to a scrapyard in Trenance Manor.
Officers moved in quickly, arresting two suspects, though a third escaped and is still being pursued.
The captured individuals were recognized by robbery victims and had stolen items from those incidents in their possession.
A toy gun was discovered in the vehicle, reportedly used to scare victims during the crimes.
Investigators noted that the vehicle’s license plates had been taken off, possibly to evade identification during the offenses.
This action demonstrates the continued partnership between KZN VIP and SAPS Phoenix in addressing crime and safeguarding residents.
KZN VIP continues its efforts to fight crime and partner with police for community protection.
For emergencies, contact KZN VIP Emergency Control Centre at 031 502 3456 or 067 712 7976 (WhatsApp emergencies only).
