Cape Town – A shocking video circulating across social media platforms has ignited fury and deep concern following a brutal knife attack on an e-hailing driver in Brackenfell on Tuesday morning. The incident, disturbingly captured on camera, has triggered a full-scale police investigation and renewed demands for enhanced safety measures to protect e-hailing drivers operating in the Western Cape.
The harrowing footage reveals the e-hailing driver proceeding along Bottelary Road at approximately 7:40 am. Inside the vehicle are two male passengers, one occupying the front seat and the other seated in the back. The driver, seemingly navigating using a route displayed on his phone, is observed in conversation with the passengers.
Suddenly, and without any apparent provocation, the passenger seated in the front, who had moments before been occupied with his phone, leans forward. With chilling swiftness, he produces a knife, concealing it momentarily before unleashing a vicious attack, stabbing the unsuspecting driver twice in the chest.
Following the brutal assault, the passenger snatches the driver's cellphone. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the driver bravely manages to escape from the vehicle, only to be relentlessly pursued by both assailants.
The disturbing video was initially shared by Kraailove, a local community organisation. They later updated their post with news that the driver is currently in recovery. However, attempts to directly contact the driver for further details and comment have been unsuccessful.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg, acting as the spokesperson for the Brackenfell police, has officially confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway, classifying the incident as a robbery with firearm case. "Brackenfell police registered a robbery with firearm case for investigation following an incident on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at about 6.00am, on the Bottelary Road, Brackenfell, in which a e-hailing driver was stabbed and robbed of his cellular telephone," Twigg stated, emphasising the seriousness with which the police are treating the crime. "The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and arrests are yet to be made," he added, assuring the public that every effort is being made to apprehend the perpetrators.
The police are actively appealing to the public for any information that might assist in identifying and arresting those responsible for the attack. Anyone possessing relevant information is strongly encouraged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to utilise the MySAPS mobile application to provide information anonymously, ensuring their safety and confidentiality.
Speaking passionately to Smile FM, Hlabisa emphasized that these types of attacks have been occurring for an unacceptable amount of time. He further stated that the association has been consistently urging the South African Police Service (SAPS) to provide greater assistance and protection to the industry, recognizing the vulnerability of drivers and the need for proactive measures to ensure their safety.
In the aftermath of the attack, both Uber and Bolt, prominent e-hailing service providers, were contacted for comment. Uber stated that they were unable to confirm whether the victim was one of their drivers at the time of the incident. Regrettably, Bolt did not respond to inquiries before the specified publication deadline, leaving their position on the matter unclear.
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