Bolt Suspends 6,000 South African Drivers for Misconduct, Following Nigerian Suspension

Bolt South Africa has blocked more than 6,000 drivers in the past six months due to misconduct, amid ongoing concerns about driver and passenger safety. This move is part of Bolt’s efforts to ensure drivers reported for misconduct can’t use the platform.

In a similar action, Bolt suspended over 5,000 drivers in Nigeria in November 2023 for misconduct and safety issues. This response comes as e-hailing platforms in South Africa face increasing criticism for poor safety standards for both drivers and passengers.

Bolt has faced accusations of low standards for drivers in various African markets. By penalising drivers who violate its code of conduct, Bolt seems to be trying to regain riders’ trust.

Public outrage and threats of lawsuits have pushed companies like Bolt to take action. According to TechCabal, Bolt has committed to permanently blocking drivers and riders reported for misconduct.

Allegations of misconduct, harassment, and sexual assault have plagued South African gig drivers. In May 2024, a Bolt driver in Cape Town was arrested for allegedly stabbing two women after an argument about their drop-off location. This incident sparked widespread social media outrage over women’s safety on ride-hailing platforms.

Earlier, in March 2024, former Bolt driver Emmanuel Mudau was sentenced to two life sentences and additional 15-year terms for raping, kidnapping, and assaulting female riders in Johannesburg. 

Bolt stated it cooperated with law enforcement in Mudau’s case. Following this conviction, Godrich Gardee Attorneys threatened to sue Bolt for failing to protect passengers, though the company has not yet received a civil claim.

In response to safety concerns, Bolt has implemented several security measures, including audio recordings during rides, driver selfie verification, access to emergency response services, and a trip monitoring feature that alerts when a vehicle remains stationary for too long.

Since launching in South Africa in 2016, Bolt has rapidly expanded in the southern African region, including new operations in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia over the past eight months, increasing its African market presence to 14 countries.