February 22, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
The National E-hailing Federation of South Africa has strongly criticised ride-hailing company Bolt following the killing of Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat, accusing the firm of repeatedly shifting blame instead of taking responsibility for driver safety.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that Satlat was allegedly strangled inside his vehicle last week in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, after responding to a ride request through a ride-hailing app. Authorities have since arrested six suspects in connection with the murder, while the case has been adjourned until February 23 as investigations continue.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage, especially after a disturbing video linked to the attack circulated online, renewing fears over the safety of e-hailing drivers across South Africa.
Federation Blasts Bolt’s Response
Speaking in an interview with Newzroom Afrika, the federation’s deputy spokesperson, Khumbulani Buthelezi, said Bolt’s safety measures remain inadequate and accused the company of avoiding accountability.
According to him, the company’s internal investigation claimed Satlat was not the registered owner of the Bolt profile active at the time of the attack — a finding Bolt has reportedly used to deny compensation and assistance toward repatriating the victim’s remains.
Buthelezi criticised this stance, saying responsibility for both driver and passenger safety ultimately rests with the platform.
“We’ve seen many cases where drivers disappear and are never found — only their vehicles are recovered,” he said. “Bolt has never taken accountability. It is always about shifting blame.”
Concerns Over Profile Misuse
The federation also raised concerns about drivers operating under other people’s accounts, stressing that the burden of preventing such misuse should not fall solely on drivers.
Buthelezi called for stronger verification systems, greater transparency in data sharing, and improved safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
He emphasised that while the federation does not support the use of another person’s profile, companies must ensure their systems are robust enough to detect and prevent such risks.
Growing Safety Crisis
The killing of Satlat has intensified calls for stricter regulation of ride-hailing platforms in South Africa, with driver unions warning that attacks, disappearances, and violent robberies are becoming increasingly common.
Industry groups are now urging e-hailing companies to invest more heavily in real-time monitoring, identity verification technology, and emergency response systems to protect both drivers and passengers.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments in the case.
