Calls for e-hailing safety in Limpopo after Flora Park woman’s death
The death of a Flora Park commuter has reignited safety concerns in Limpopo’s e-hailing industry, with drivers and commuters demanding action.
POLOKWANE – Intense discussions on the safety of one of the most widely used modes of public-private transportation, e-hailing services, have resurfaced.
This follows a growing number of incidents in Polokwane and beyond where both drivers and passengers have felt that their lives were in danger while using internationally managed transport applications.
In some cases, lives have even been lost, Limpopo E-hailing Association spokesperson Aubrey Phasha told Polokwane Observer.
One such case was the death of Molebogeng ‘Keke’ Ramoroka (54).
On August 23, she used an e-hailing service to travel to a nearby store in Flora Park to buy bread.
Two days later, her body was found along the R101 near Mokopane.
Read more: Police identify brutally murdered woman as Serala View resident
Although investigations reportedly cleared the driver of the vehicle, her killing reignited concerns over safety in the industry.
Her passing triggered a robust debate between drivers and commuters about the risks faced by both parties.
Some drivers told Polokwane Observer they had personally approached the police and the store involved to help trace the driver and rule out his possible involvement.
They feared any suspicion against him could undo their progress in building credibility in an industry already struggling with reputation issues.
It also emerged that drivers themselves often feel unsafe, facing abuse and death threats from commuters and rival public transport operators.
Phasha confirmed that violent incidents had occurred in Limpopo and elsewhere, pointing to the torching of a driver in Gauteng over route disputes, the murders of two other drivers, and the hospitalisation of two more in separate incidents. He added that mismatches between vehicle and driver profiles on apps further undermine efforts to improve safety.
Phasha also raised concern about reports of criminals targeting e-hailing drivers at liquor outlets in Polokwane.
“Vehicles are followed to their destinations, and drivers, commuters or both are hijacked if found vulnerable,” he said.
According to Phasha, government intervention is urgently needed.
“The industry must be regulated to provide clear safety guidelines, and law enforcement must act proactively rather than reactively,” he said. He stressed that safety was not only about improving app technology, but also about constant interaction between government, drivers, commuters and app operators.
The Limpopo E-hailing Association is currently working with the National E-hailing Federation of South Africa to lobby both government and international operators to strengthen accountability.
Meanwhile, commuters shared their thoughts with Polokwane Observer on how to improve safety and what precautions they take when using e-hailing services:
