By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) confirmed the arrest of a woman for the brutal murder of an e-hailing driver in Pretoria West, on Wednesday.
The preliminary investigations shows that the driver was killed by two passengers who had requested the service of an e-hailing.
The hijacked vehicle and the victim’s body were found in Atteridgeville.
In the video, which went viral on social media, the driver can be seen trying to defend himself but ultimately being overpowered by the suspects.
“The woman was caught on a dashboard camera, together with a man, attacking the driver,” police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo said on Friday.
Masondo said, “More arrests are imminent as the police investigation continues. He added that the motive for the killing is not yet known.”
Masondo further condemned the circulation of the video, saying the police strongly condemn the circulation of the video that depicts what appears to be a gruesome murder of the victim.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Atteridgeville magistrate’s court on Monday, 16 February 2026 to face charges that include car hijacking and murder.
Meanwhile a new Ipsos Safety Index report commissioned by Bolt has revealed that 90% of South African ride-hailing users consider the service safer than traditional transport options, marking a major shift in public confidence toward app-based mobility.
According to the study, safety concerns remain a daily reality for many South Africans, and ride-hailing has evolved into more than a convenience, for many, it is “a lifeline.” Young adults aged 25–34 represent 43% of users, relying on apps like Bolt several times a week or month as part of their regular mobility routines.
The report shows that safety perceptions increase at night, with 92% of respondents saying they feel safer using ride-hailing apps after dark.
This increased trust is tied to features such as real-time GPS tracking, verified driver identities, vetted drivers, and door-to-door pickups and drop-offs.
South Africans also place considerable trust in ride-hailing when it comes to protecting others. The report states that 93% of passengers have booked a ride for someone else, often to ensure that a friend or family member arrives home safely. Nearly 96% of users agree that in-app safety features make ride-hailing a safer overall option.