E‑hailing drivers face rising threat as attacks and hijackings climb

South Africa’s e‑hailing industry is under growing scrutiny as drivers face an increasing threat from criminals, with reports of robberies, hijackings and deaths while on duty.

Incidents highlighted

Drivers operating on e‑hailing platforms have been robbed, hijacked and, in some cases, killed while on duty. In one incident, an e‑hailing driver was strangled to death during a trip by passengers. In a separate case reported in May, a driver was allegedly lured into an attack after a passenger set up an ambush involving additional assailants.

Industry concerns and causes

Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, warned that the dangers facing the sector go beyond criminal activity by passengers. He said:

“Multiple individuals have been implicated in intimidation, extortion and violence,”

Herbert also noted that reports have linked some incidents to growing hostility towards foreign‑owned e‑hailing platforms.

Calls for better safety measures

The National E‑hailing Federation of South Africa has indicated that existing safety measures are often reactive and that more robust solutions linked to law enforcement are needed. Herbert added that many of the crimes targeting e‑hailing operators stem from broader systemic issues that cannot be resolved quickly.

He asked:

“In the meantime, where does this leave drivers and often their passengers when unrest arises and personal safety is at risk?”

Practical safety advice

For drivers

• Follow protocols: follow all processes that e‑hailing organisations put in place for your safety
• Share your location: keep someone updated on your route and expected return time
• Avoid isolated pick‑up points: if a booking is in an unusually dark or deserted location, trust your instincts if you are uncomfortable and do not accept the ride
• Keep a dashcam running: a visible, functioning camera is both a deterrent and evidence if something happens
• Upskill yourself: undertake hijack extraction training to reduce your risk and learn what to do if you become a victim of crime

For passengers

• Always verify: before getting in, confirm the vehicle registration, make, colour, and driver photo match the app exactly
• Sit strategically: do not sit in the front as this prevents you from seeing if people are hiding in the back. This includes placing your luggage in the boot as unwanted passengers could be hiding there too. Sit behind the front passenger seat to have the best view of the route and road ahead
• Share your trip: either in‑app trip sharing features or share your location with loved ones
• Stay off your phone: other than to keep an eye on the route, stay off your phone and pay attention to your surroundings
• Trust your instinct: if something seems amiss either within the vehicle or outside, trust your instinct and find a safe location to exit the vehicle as quickly as possible
• Be discerning about the vehicle: an unroadworthy vehicle can endanger your life more than a possible robbery

These warnings and recommendations were set out in reporting on the rising threats facing e‑hailing drivers and passengers.