What happened to TikToker Simthande Myeza? Details explored as Bolt rides issue a response

Simthande Myeza, a South African TikTok artist known for his funny drawings and educational characters like "MakaThangithini," had a harrowing experience on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. What should have been a normal Bolt ride in the Umbilo neighborhood of Durban turned into an abduction and robbery.

Myeza's family alleged that kidnappers abducted him because the car went off the scheduled course. They then blindfolded him, put a gun against his head, and carried him to an unknown place.

Bolt South Africa promptly replied by sending their sympathies to Myeza and his family and promising to help the authorities. After the event, many people are left concerned about the safety of those who use e-hailing services.

Details about what happened to TikToker Simthande Myeza during a Bolt riding incident

On June 20, 2025, family spokeswoman Lomsongaka Myeza presented a full explanation of what transpired in a statement. Simthande Myeza was suspicious when the Bolt driver led him down an unknown road, so he demanded a U-turn. The driver, on the other hand, immediately halted. Two guys with masks on, one of whom had a gun, walked up to the car, blindfolded Myeza, tied his hands together, and took him to an unknown place.

After hacking his phone and emptying his bank accounts, his assailants asked his family and colleagues for money. The attackers are said to have let Myeza go early on Wednesday, June 18, after asking for money and recording him in a humiliating position. Myeza was traumatized but not wounded by what happened. Her family said that a formal police report was filed.

As soon as Simthande Myeza was free, his family took him to safety. Following South African Criminal Procedure, the Durban North police precinct initiated an investigation into the abduction and armed robbery.

Police are looking through Bolt's riding logs, CCTV footage from the Umbilo neighborhood, and phone records to find the people who did it. Community organizations and content creators have also called for stricter safety rules for ride-sharing apps.

On June 23, 2025, Lerato Motsoeneng, Senior General Manager of Bolt South Africa, released a public statement to offer his "sincere concern and sympathy" for Myeza and his family. Motsoeneng stated that Bolt is "taking this matter very seriously," has already spoken to Myeza, and is fully supporting the investigation by the right authorities.

Despite the widespread media coverage of Simthande Myeza's story, studies reveal that South African e-hailing users have experienced verbal and physical abuse. Platforms must improve background checks, provide drivers and passengers with panic buttons, and monitor journeys in real-time, according to industry watchdogs.

The public and government in South Africa will probably regard ride-hailing services differently. Investigations are going on to find out the kidnapper's identity.

In South Africa, there are strict rules against kidnapping. Therefore, anybody who is accused of a crime might face long prison sentences if the authorities locate adequate forensic and testimonial evidence. Passengers may also sue the ride-sharing company or its drivers in civil court for damages for emotional pain, suffering, and carelessness.

Simthande Myeza's incident highlights how easy it is for even basic internet services to be hacked when security safeguards aren't in place. Bolt South Africa said it would look at its safety procedures and fully help with investigations, which puts the entire e-hailing business at a crossroads.

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