KWAZULU-NATAL. – Die aanranding van ‘n Bolt-bestuurder in Phoenix is deur Siboniso Duma, die LUR vir vervoer en menslike nedersettings, veroordeel. Duma het dit onomwonde gestel dat geen gebied in KwaZulu-Natal as ’n verbode sone vir e-bestuurders beskou mag word nie.
Volgens ‘n verklaring is die bestuurder glo deur drie mans aangeval, nadat hy ’n passasier by Phoenix Plaza afgelaai het. Daar word beweer hy is daarna by ’n plaaslike taxivereniging aangehou en dat R5 000 geëis is vir die teruggee van sy voertuig.
Duma sê aanvalle, intimidasie en afpersing teen e-bestuurders sal nie geduld word nie. Amptenare van die departement werk saam met die polisie om verdere geweld te voorkom. Hy het bygevoeg dat ’n toegewyde span aangewys is om verhoudings tussen taxi-operateurs en e-bestuurders in Phoenix te stabiliseer, wetstoepassing te versterk en seker te maak vervoerregulasies word toegepas.
’n E-beraad met rolspelers word ook beplan om langtermynstabiliteit in die sektor te bevorder.
Lees die volledige verklaring wat op sosiale media gedeel is hier onder:
Bolt driver assaulted in Phoenix Plaza: Duma says in KZN no area should be declared a “no-go zone” for e-hailing drivers, and their assault or murder will not be tolerated
Media and Public Statement by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma
14 February 2026
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House: We have been contacted by the chairperson of the KZN e-hailing council informing us about the assault of their member, a Bolt driver in Phoenix.
We have been informed that Bolt drivers are currently at the Phoenix Police Station.
The victim was allegedly attacked by three individuals after dropping off a passenger outside Phoenix Plaza.
In addition, he was allegedly held at ransom at the offices of a local taxi association, with members and their chairperson allegedly demanding R5000 for the return of his car, which they confiscated.
We condemn this attack, extortion, and any form of intimidation against Bolt drivers and any player in the e-hailing industry.
I have assigned officials from the department to be closer to this matter and to work with the police to prevent any bloodletting.
In particular, the department’s Public Regulatory Entity (PRE) has in the past worked with eThekwini Metro, KZN e-hailing Council, KZN South African National Taxi Council, and SAPS to resolve a similar conflict involving Bolt drivers and the Clermont Kwa Dabeka Taxi Association.
We have a winning formula, which we must use so that we do not see the repeat of the KwaDabeka conflict.
In particular, we must collectively work toward preventing the recurrence of ugly scenes that played out outside Maponya Mall last year.
In KZN no area should declared a “no-go zone” for e-hailing drivers, and their assault or murders will not be tolerated.
I have mandated a dedicated team from the department to ensure the following: –
1. Harmonizing relations and ensuring co-existence between e-hailing drivers and taxi operators in Phoenix;
2. Discussing and ensuring adoption of long-lasting solutions as part of ushering peace and stability within the public transport sector in Phoenix;
3. Traffic enforcement of law and order as part of strengthening the transport system and ensuring its safety;
4. Updating all stakeholders about the implementation of e-hailing regulations contained in the amended National Land Transport Act that recognizes Bolt and other e-hailing platforms as part of the public transport system.
Finally, yesterday in a meeting with senior management of both the Department of Transport and the Department of Human Settlements, it was agreed that an integrated approach will be used to ensure stability in the public transport sector.
In this regard, an E-hailing Summit involving key role-players is being planned.
Ends
Issued by the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma
Enquiries
Ndabezinhle Sibiya | Spokesperson | MEC for Transport and Human Settlements
