Cape Town – One of the suspects caught on camera in a disturbing video stabbing and robbing an e-hailing driver in Brackenfell on Tuesday morning has been apprehended. The arrest follows outrage and concern sparked by the circulation of the graphic footage on social media, prompting renewed calls for enhanced safety measures for e-hailing drivers in the Western Cape.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a 34-year-old suspect was arrested on Wednesday evening and charged with armed robbery and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. "A 34-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of armed robbery and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, following an incident in which an e-hailing driver was stabbed and robbed on Tuesday, 5 August 2025 in Brackenfell," Twigg stated. "The suspect was arrested on Wednesday evening, 6 August 2025. A second suspect is still at large and police are following up all leads in a bid to apprehend him.”
While police have not disclosed the exact location of the arrest, crime groups report that the suspect was apprehended in Wesbank and is believed to be the individual seen seated in the passenger seat in the video.
Without warning, the passenger in the front seat, who had been occupied with his phone, leans forward and produces a knife. In a swift and brutal attack, he stabs the unsuspecting driver twice in the chest.
Following the assault, the passenger snatches the driver's cellphone. Despite his serious injuries, the driver manages to escape from the vehicle, but is then relentlessly pursued by both assailants.
The disturbing video was initially shared by Kraailove, a local community organisation, who later reported that the driver is recovering. Attempts to contact the driver directly for comment have been unsuccessful.
Sergeant Twigg 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 an e-hailing driver was stabbed and robbed of his cellular telephone," Twigg stated. "The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and arrests are yet to be made," he added prior to the arrest, assuring the public that every effort is being made to apprehend the perpetrators.
The police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in identifying and arresting the remaining suspect. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to use the MySAPS mobile application to provide information anonymously.
Speaking to Smile FM, Hlabisa emphasised that these types of attacks have been occurring for an unacceptable amount of time. He stated that the association has been consistently urging the South African Police Service (SAPS) to provide greater assistance and protection to the industry, recognising the vulnerability of drivers and the need for proactive measures to ensure their safety.
Hlabisa also expressed concern that criminals are using fake accounts to target drivers. "There is a big concern and it is one of the challenges we have been facing for a long time where our drivers are being targeted by criminals," Hlabisa explained. "These criminals are not riders of the app but are using fake accounts. It is a daily challenge for our drivers who wake up in the morning and are not sure if they will come back home. The killing of our drivers has become a norm now, particular in the Western Cape."
The association is planning a campaign to partner with community police forums and SAPS for protection, as they feel their concerns are not being taken seriously. "The association is trying to organise a campaign where we will go into communities and partner with community police forums and SAPS for protection because we are not taken seriously with the cases we are reporting," Hlabisa said.
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. Bolt did not respond to inquiries before the specified publication deadline, leaving their position on the matter unclear. The investigation is ongoing as police continue to search for the second suspect involved in this brutal crime.
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