Safety concerns in the e-hailing sector have resurfaced after a Bolt driver was allegedly assaulted in Phoenix, north of Durban, over the weekend.
The KZN E-Hailing Council says the driver was attacked by three men shortly after dropping off a passenger on Saturday. His vehicle was reportedly confiscated, and he was allegedly told to pay R5,000 to secure its release.
Council chairperson Sipho Mabika described the incident as deeply troubling, saying it highlights persistent risks faced by drivers operating in the area. He warned that intimidation and violence against e-hailing operators would not be tolerated.
Mabika stressed that drivers make efforts to avoid confrontation by operating within designated zones and steering clear of taxi ranks to maintain peace. He added that the council has approached management at Phoenix Plaza to establish a dedicated drop-off point for e-hailing vehicles to improve safety and coordination.
He labelled the alleged demand for money as extortion.
“When people ask drivers for money to operate on public roads, that is a criminal offence,” Mabika said. “The e-hailing sector is regulated by transport authorities, and we are legally permitted to operate wherever public transport is allowed.”
Meanwhile, South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in KwaZulu-Natal said it has yet to receive a formal report and is aware of the incident only through informal channels.
Spokesperson Sifiso Shangase said the organisation does not condone violence by its members.
“Operators do not have the authority to take the law into their own hands. If there are concerns about illegal activity, law enforcement must be called to intervene,” he said.
The incident adds to ongoing tensions between traditional taxi operators and e-hailing services, with industry leaders calling for clearer enforcement and cooperation to prevent further conflict.