The Hidden Risks of E-Hailing: Understanding the Threat of Sexual Assault and How to Stay Safe

For many South Africans, e-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt have transformed the way we travel. With a few taps on a smartphone, passengers can access transport quickly, conveniently, and often more safely than walking alone or using unfamiliar transport options.

Yet, while e-hailing platforms have become part of everyday life, they are not immune to the broader challenges of violence and gender-based violence that plague South African society.

As an organisation supporting survivors of rape and sexual violence, we are increasingly concerned by reports from women who have experienced harassment, intimidation, sexual assault, or feared for their safety while using e-hailing services. While the vast majority of drivers are law-abiding professionals, several high-profile cases have highlighted the devastating consequences when offenders exploit positions of trust to target vulnerable passengers.

When Convenience Becomes a Risk

One of the most disturbing South African cases involved e-hailing driver Emmanuel Mudau, who was sentenced by the Gauteng High Court to two life imprisonment terms plus 60 years after being convicted of raping four women, kidnapping them, and assaulting two of them. Prosecutors established that he used an e-hailing platform to identify and isolate women travelling alone, taking them to secluded areas where the attacks occurred.

The case shocked the nation and highlighted a reality that survivor support organisations have long understood: offenders often seek opportunities where victims are isolated and dependent on them for transport, assistance, or safety.

Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. Over the years, various allegations involving sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, and harassment connected to e-hailing services have been reported across South Africa. While such incidents represent a small fraction of the millions of rides completed annually, their impact on survivors is profound and lifelong.

The Broader Context of Gender-Based Violence

South Africa continues to face one of the highest rates of gender-based violence and sexual assault in the world. Women and children remain disproportionately affected by rape, sexual coercion, stalking, and intimate partner violence.

E-hailing services do not create these offenders. Rather, they can provide another environment in which predators may operate if adequate safeguards are not followed.

The risk is heightened when passengers are travelling alone, intoxicated, unfamiliar with an area, distracted, or returning home late at night.

What E-Hailing Companies Are Doing

Companies such as Uber have implemented several safety measures designed to reduce risk. These include GPS trip tracking, trip sharing with trusted contacts, emergency assistance features, driver identification systems, route monitoring, and dedicated safety support teams. Uber also advises passengers to verify the vehicle registration, vehicle model, and driver photograph before entering a vehicle.

These tools are important and should be used whenever possible. However, technology alone cannot eliminate the risk of violence.

Personal vigilance remains a critical part of staying safe.

How to Protect Yourself When Using E-Hailing Services

Before You Enter the Vehicle:

✔ Verify the registration number.

✔ Confirm the make, model, and colour of the vehicle.

✔ Ensure the driver's photograph matches the person collecting you.

✔ Ask the driver who they are collecting before revealing your name.

✔ Never enter a vehicle if the information does not match the app.

✔ Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, cancel the ride.

During the Journey:

✔ Share your trip with a trusted friend or family member.

✔ Sit in the rear passenger seat.

✔ Follow the route on your phone.

✔ Keep your mobile phone accessible.

✔ Avoid sharing personal information such as where you live, work, or study.

✔ Stay alert and avoid sleeping during the journey.

✔ If travelling at night, let someone know your expected arrival time.

Warning Signs

Be alert if:

• The driver deviates from the route without explanation.

• The driver makes inappropriate comments or sexual advances.

• The driver attempts physical contact.

• The driver stops in isolated areas unnecessarily.

• The driver picks up unauthorised passengers.

• You feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Your instincts are often your first line of defence.

If an Incident Occurs

If you experience harassment, sexual assault, or violence:

1. Get to a place of safety immediately.

2. Contact the South African Police Service.

3. Seek medical care as soon as possible.

4. Preserve evidence where possible.

5. Report the incident through the e-hailing platform.

6. Contact a rape crisis centre or survivor support organisation for counselling and assistance.

   
   

A Shared Responsibility

Passenger safety is not solely the responsibility of e-hailing companies. It requires cooperation between technology providers, law enforcement, policymakers, communities, and passengers themselves.

Most importantly, responsibility for sexual assault always lies with the perpetrator.

No safety tip, precaution, or action can ever excuse violence. The purpose of awareness is not to place responsibility on victims but to empower communities with knowledge that may help prevent harm.

Every South African deserves to travel without fear.

Until that becomes a reality, we must continue to speak openly about these risks, support survivors who come forward, and hold offenders accountable for their actions.

Because getting home safely should never be a matter of luck.