Bolt Vows Safety Push After Driver Misconduct Sparks Outrage

Image Source: Bolt

Published by Everything ZA News

Johannesburg, South Africa – Ride-hailing company Bolt faces a critical juncture in South Africa, its largest African market. The company has been grappling with a wave of public outrage following a series of reported driver misconduct incidents, including assault and sexual violence.

In a recent move, Bolt revealed it has permanently blocked over 6,000 drivers in South Africa over the past six months for violating its code of conduct. This follows a similar action in November 2023, where over 5,000 drivers were suspended in Nigeria for misconduct concerns.

These crackdowns come amidst mounting criticism of Bolt and other ride-hailing platforms operating in South Africa. Critics allege lax safety measures for both drivers and passengers, with concerns that driver vetting and background checks are inadequate.

The recent incidents have been particularly alarming. In May 2024, a Bolt driver was arrested for allegedly stabbing two women after a dispute over their drop-off location. This followed the high-profile case of Emmanuel Mudau, a former Bolt driver who was sentenced to two life terms for the rape, kidnapping, and assault of female passengers earlier this year.

These incidents sparked public outcry on social media, particularly regarding the safety of women passengers. Legal action was also threatened by Godrich Gardee Attorneys, who represent some of Mudau’s victims, alleging Bolt’s failure to ensure passenger safety.

Bolt maintains it has cooperated with law enforcement in these cases and has implemented new security measures to prevent similar occurrences. These include in-ride audio recording, driver verification selfies, access to emergency response buttons, and trip monitoring features that flag extended vehicle stops.

However, the recent driver suspensions raise questions about whether these measures were implemented earlier or if they were a response to public pressure.

As Bolt seeks to expand its footprint across Africa, with recent launches in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, addressing safety concerns becomes paramount. Regaining public trust in South Africa, a key market, will be crucial for its continued success on the continent.