The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has raised alarm over an increase in violent incidents affecting the e-hailing industry, following a brutal broad-daylight attack on a driver along Bottelary Road in Cape Town. The incident, captured on video, has intensified calls for stronger safety measures to protect both drivers and passengers.
The DA said this was not an isolated event. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, two e-hailing drivers were robbed and assaulted in Rylands and Strandfontein. In another troubling case last year, a female passenger in Khayelitsha was assaulted and nearly kidnapped by a driver who deviated from the route, blocked her from escaping, and stole her belongings.
While welcoming ongoing safety efforts by the provincial Department of Mobility and the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE), the DA noted that more targeted interventions are needed. Currently, e-hailing services fall under the broader metered taxi category, but the upcoming National Land Transport Amendment Act will officially recognise e-hailing as a distinct mode of transport, enabling more specific regulation and oversight.
The DA also acknowledged progress from ongoing engagements with platforms like Uber, Bolt, and InDrive since 2014. These include steps to improve regulatory compliance, discourage platforms from covering impoundment fees for non-compliant drivers, establish a funeral fund for expatriate drivers, upgrade driver facilities, and deliver safety training. A representative industry body is also being formed.
Professor Nomafrench Mbombo, MPP and DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Mobility, said the recent attack underscores the urgent need for stronger interventions.
“As a first step, I will invite the Western Cape E-Hailing Association to appear before the Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Mobility to explore solutions to tackle violence in the industry, improve cooperation with law enforcement, and ensure accountability from platform providers,” Mbombo stated.
“We cannot allow fear and violence to take root in our transport system. Every driver should feel safe behind the wheel, and every commuter must be able to travel without fear,” she added.
The DA reaffirmed its commitment to creating safer, more secure environments and promoting job growth within the province.
The DA said this was not an isolated event. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, two e-hailing drivers were robbed and assaulted in Rylands and Strandfontein. In another troubling case last year, a female passenger in Khayelitsha was assaulted and nearly kidnapped by a driver who deviated from the route, blocked her from escaping, and stole her belongings.
While welcoming ongoing safety efforts by the provincial Department of Mobility and the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE), the DA noted that more targeted interventions are needed. Currently, e-hailing services fall under the broader metered taxi category, but the upcoming National Land Transport Amendment Act will officially recognise e-hailing as a distinct mode of transport, enabling more specific regulation and oversight.
The DA also acknowledged progress from ongoing engagements with platforms like Uber, Bolt, and InDrive since 2014. These include steps to improve regulatory compliance, discourage platforms from covering impoundment fees for non-compliant drivers, establish a funeral fund for expatriate drivers, upgrade driver facilities, and deliver safety training. A representative industry body is also being formed.
Professor Nomafrench Mbombo, MPP and DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Mobility, said the recent attack underscores the urgent need for stronger interventions.
“As a first step, I will invite the Western Cape E-Hailing Association to appear before the Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Mobility to explore solutions to tackle violence in the industry, improve cooperation with law enforcement, and ensure accountability from platform providers,” Mbombo stated.
“We cannot allow fear and violence to take root in our transport system. Every driver should feel safe behind the wheel, and every commuter must be able to travel without fear,” she added.
The DA reaffirmed its commitment to creating safer, more secure environments and promoting job growth within the province.
