E-hailing drivers call for SAPS intervention after murder caught on camera

The National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA) has called for stricter safety measures to be implemented after two drivers were attacked last week. 

In Durban, an e-hailing driver was allegedly assaulted after dropping off a passenger in Phoenix on Saturday.

While in Pretoria, three suspects were arrested after an e-hailing driver was murdered.

The act was caught on the vehicle’s dashcam and has since been widely shared on social media.

RELATED: UPDATE: SAPS net 2 more suspects linked to murder of e-hailing driver

NEFSA National Spokesperson Tella Masakale emphasised the need for rider verification processes to ensure that passengers are legitimate.

“A rider verification process includes biometrics, a RICA SIM card that is used specifically by the members, where there are ID documents that are scanned to make sure that the passenger is on a system where they are not criminals, and that we are actually aware that we are transporting people that have been verified and checked.”

Masakale highlighted the importance of government regulations, including the installation of panic buttons in vehicles and branding to identify e-hailing service vehicles.

A coordinated response by law enforcement will allow for a quicker response time when panic buttons are activated, he added.

“We have identified all hot spot zones, whereby we request that they [SAPS] station rapid response units specifically for e-hailing drivers. These panic buttons must be linked to these law enforcement agencies, not only the private security companies.”

To listen to Phateng in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane, use the audio player below: