The Bolt driver arrested for stabbing female passengers in Table View is just one of over 6000 drivers dismissed by the e-hailing company.
Bolt stated that they decided to dismiss and permanently block the drivers to ensure the safety of its passengers. They did not specify the types of misconduct, but they confirmed that Benedict Chitungo, who was charged with two counts of attempted murder, was also barred.
“This is part of the organisation’s strong focus on rider and driver safety. Bolt has permanently blocked over 6000 drivers from its platform in the past six months due to non-compliance and safety-related matters,” said the e-hailing service.
Benedict was arrested last month for allegedly stabbing two female passengers. He appeared in Cape Town Magistrates’ Court and is charged with two counts of attempted murder.
Siyabonga Hlabisa, chairperson of the Western Cape E-hailing Association, stated that Bolt had introduced safety measures that they had been asked to implement.
Bolt has 150 million customers in more than 45 countries and 500 cities across Europe and Africa.
The company’s acting head of regulatory and policy in Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, told the Cape Argus that stricter compliance measures had also been implemented.
Bolt is also testing rider verification by requiring new customers to take a selfie and upload an ID, which Bolt verifies before allowing ride orders.
He stated that, in addition to the driver screening process, which involves a background check before drivers can drive on the Bolt app, the company has increased its efforts to enforce platform guidelines. Any driver or rider who violates safety standards or is non-compliant will face immediate and severe consequences, including permanent suspension from the platform.
The company also introduced Trip Monitoring, which proactively engages riders and drivers in-app when a vehicle remains stationary for an extended period of time.
To use this feature, no action is required; Bolt will prompt you to check if everything is fine, and you must click the ‘Yes, I am fine button’ if there is no cause for concern.
Completed by Murray Swart
First published by Cape Town etc
Also see: Internet users react after group of friends attacked by Bolt driver
