{
  "id": 8238353,
  "title": "Dashcams expose long-running e-hailing safety crisis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/dashcams-expose-long-running-e-hailing-safety-crisis",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T11:19:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ITWeb",
    "slug": "itweb",
    "url": "https://www.itweb.co.za/article/dashcams-expose-long-running-e-hailing-safety-crisis/j5alrMQAo5GMpYQk"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A growing number of dashcam videos in South Africa are revealing a long-standing safety crisis in the e-hailing industry. Over the past few months, drivers and industry representatives have shared footage and accounts of various crimes, including armed robberies, hijackings, and assaults. Melithemba Mnguni, secretary-general of the E-hailing Partners Council, maintains that the increase in surveillance footage should not be seen as an indication of rising incidents, but rather as renewed attention to a problem the sector has been highlighting for years. The lack of comprehensive crime data and proactive responses from e-hailing platforms and law enforcement agencies compound the issue. E-hailing operator and driver, speaking anonymously, recounted an incident where his vehicle was hijacked and subsequently used in another crime, illustrating the potential for e-hailing vehicles to be exploited in wider criminal operations. Concerns also arise from profile-sharing arrangements, which can make it difficult for platforms to verify the identity of drivers and riders, potentially putting everyone at risk. Recently, Uber introduced changes to its mapping system, which removes the final destination of trips from drivers' views before accepting a ride, adding another layer of uncertainty for drivers who want to assess potential risks. Despite these challenges, e-hailing operators are working on solutions, such as warnings for potentially dangerous areas, to improve safety for drivers and passengers.",
  "summary": "Viral dashcam footage exacerbates longstanding e-hailing safety concerns, with drivers calling for stronger verification, policing and platform security measures.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}