A disturbing video circulating widely on social media has reignited concerns about the safety of drivers operating in the e-hailing industry, particularly those working during early morning hours. The footage, which shows the chilling moments of an attack on an unsuspecting driver, has prompted police to call on the public to help identify the assailants involved.
According to available information, the incident unfolded on Tuesday morning, 5 August 2025, at approximately 7:40 a.m. on Bottelary Road in Brackenfell, Cape Town. The e-hailing driver, whose identity has not been released, was transporting two male passengers at the time—one seated in the front passenger seat, the other in the back.
The video clip, posted by local community group Kraailove, begins with a seemingly routine ride. The driver is shown conversing with his passengers while following a navigation route visible on his mobile phone. At this point, there is no indication of the danger about to unfold.
Without warning, the passenger in the front seat, after briefly looking at his phone, lowers his head into his hand, only to suddenly lunge forward and stab the driver twice in the chest. The attacker then grabs the driver’s mobile phone, and the vehicle comes to a stop as the driver desperately escapes from the car.
“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,”
reported Police Spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg.
Although the exact timing mentioned in the official report differs from the timestamp in the video, police are continuing to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the event.
As the footage continues, the visibly injured driver exits the vehicle and attempts to flee. Both suspects follow him on foot, leaving viewers with more questions than answers as the video ends abruptly. The victim’s current location remains undisclosed, and attempts by the media to speak directly with him have so far been unsuccessful.
Nevertheless, Kraailove, the community organisation that first shared the video, posted a short update in the comments of the original post, stating that the victim is recovering from his injuries.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and arrests are yet to be made.”
While police efforts are underway, the lack of confirmed details has stirred public speculation—particularly regarding the identity of the driver and whether he was affiliated with a known e-hailing platform. The Daily Voice reached out to Uber, who stated that they could not confirm whether the driver was registered with them. Meanwhile, Bolt, another leading e-hailing service, had not responded by the time of publication.
Authorities have urged anyone with information that might assist in the investigation to step forward.
“Police are appealing to anyone with any information about this incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.”
The attack has sent a ripple of concern through e-hailing communities and the general public, sparking renewed calls for stronger safety measures, especially for drivers working during vulnerable hours or in isolated areas.
