WATCH: Cape Town driver sheds light on dangers behind everyday e-hailing trips

A Cape Town e-hailing driver has spoken about the safety risks drivers face, revealing why he refuses trips to certain high-crime areas. 

The driver, who goes by the name 'brownfitboy' on social media, said he will not accept rides to Philippi, citing frequent robberies and organised attacks on e-hailing drivers.

"It's a place where you can get skinned alive as a driver. If you go there, you don't even know if you're going to return home. It's super tough. Imagine if government officials can be attacked there. What about you as a normal driver?"

He described how criminal groups exploit weaknesses in e-hailing platforms by creating fake accounts and luring drivers into ambushes. 

'Brownfitboy' said that suspects often pose as legitimate passengers before accomplices surround the vehicle, leaving drivers vulnerable and defenceless.

He added that drivers are forced to prioritise their own safety, even if it means cancelling trips or refusing passengers.

"My life comes first. At the end of the day, I also have a family. As a driver, you need to care about yourself. You're the priority, not your client. If you're not comfortable going to an area, simply decline before you get there. 

"I always tell people not to be driven by emotion. Don't have sympathy for people because, 'No, it's a woman at night. She's going to this area, you know, she's only a girl. Let me just try and help her.'"

'Brownfitboy' warns both drivers and riders against reckless behaviour, saying intoxicated passengers and emotional decision-making increase risks for everyone involved.

To listen to 'brownfitboy' in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: