Ride-hailing giant Bolt is stepping up safety measures after a string of attacks on drivers, rolling out new alerts that flag unsafe and high-risk zones.
Why it matters
Safety concerns have long plagued South Africa’s e-hailing industry, with drivers often targeted in violent incidents. The updates aim to give drivers more control — without penalizing them for declining risky trips.
Driving the news
- Bolt will now warn drivers of unsafe zones before they accept a ride.
- The company says drivers can decline those trips without consequences.
- Senior operations manager Simo Kalajdzic: “Growth means nothing without safety. Safety is non-negotiable.”
The big picture
- Bolt is reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy on violence. Anyone guilty of criminal behavior will be permanently banned.
- The company is working with government and law enforcement to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Passenger safety tips:
- Verify driver details in the app.
- Wait in visible, well-lit areas.
- Share trip details with friends or family.
- Report suspicious behavior immediately.
Between the lines
All Bolt drivers undergo criminal checks, licence and PrDP verification, plus random selfie checks to confirm identity.
What’s next
- Bolt plans to keep expanding across South Africa with new services.
- But its “strongest investment,” Kalajdzic says, remains safety and security, underpinned by collaboration with law enforcement.
