E-hailing company Bolt says it is saddened by the alleged kidnapping incident involving one of its drivers and South African YouTuber, comedian, and radio presenter Simthande Myeza.
In a media statement, the company addressed the recent alleged kidnapping of Myeza, which sparked grave worries about the safety of passengers using its platform.
Myeza was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint on Tuesday while travelling in a Bolt vehicle in Umbilo, Durban.
The family claims that the driver took an unusual route, and when Myeza requested a U-turn, the situation escalated.
Two men reportedly approached the vehicle, blindfolded Myeza, tied his hands, and took him to an undisclosed location.
Demands for ransom
The perpetrators accessed his phone, drained his bank account, and demanded ransom from his family and friends.
The family further said the kidnappers subjected Myeza to degrading acts, recorded them, and threatened retaliation if he reported the incident to law enforcement.
Myeza is now in a safe location, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bolt emphasised the e-hailing company’s commitment to passenger safety. “At Bolt, the safety and well-being of our passengers is our top priority,” it said in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the alleged incident involving Simthande Myeza and are cooperating fully with the authorities to investigate the matter.”
The company highlighted its safety features, including driver verification processes, real-time trip tracking, and an in-app emergency button.
Bolt encouraged users to share trip details with trusted contacts and promptly report any suspicious activity.
Abduction incident in Nairobi
The alleged kidnapping echoes a previous case in Nairobi in June 2023, where Bolt faced scrutiny after the abduction of two women by a driver.
In that instance, Bolt issued a similar statement condemning violence and reinforcing its safety protocols.
“How many times must this happen before Bolt takes real action?” one user posted on X.
Another commented: “I have had great rides with Bolt, but stories like this make me rethink using the app.”
Arrive Alive, a road safety organisation, reiterated the importance of sharing trip details and using safety features on ride-hailing apps.
An investigation into Myeza’s case is ongoing, with no arrests reported at this time. Bolt has pledged to provide updates as the situation develops.
