‘EASY TARGETS’ - E-hailing drivers demand action after cabbie is left fighting for his life after Rylands attack

AN E-HAILING driver is fighting for his life after he was shot in the face and hijacked by four gunmen in Rylands, Athlone.​

Saturday night’s incident in Jeina Road is the latest in a string of attacks and has left drivers fearing for their safety. 

With the skelms fleeing the scene with the driver’s vehicle after the incident, chairperson of the Western Cape E-hailing Association (WCEA), Siyabonga Hlabisa, told the Daily Voice that they are now dik of being easy targets. 

Following the murder of Nigerian national Isaac Satlat in Pretoria less than two weeks ago, Hlabisa said: “It is a serious challenge as we are being informed that drivers are being killed and attacked, and we are being let down by the SAPS, as not many arrests are being made.​

“Drivers are an easy target for criminals, and the phones that get stolen are being sold to communities. 

“The most important system to use is a dash camera, as we have seen the incident that happened in Pretoria was caught on a dash camera.​

“We need processes to be put in place so that we can ensure that there is evidence when these incidents occur.”

​He added that they appealed to e-hailing companies for engagements to keep drivers safe and also requested that when drivers accept a ride, a picture of the customer’s face is also shown on the app to ensure that they are not scammed.

​Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said: “Athlone police are investigating a case of attempted murder and hijacking following an incident that occurred at Jeina Road, Rylands, on Saturday, 21 February 2026 at about 10.45pm. 

​“A male victim in his 30s was shot on his face and chest by four unknown men who made off with his white Toyota Aygo. 

​“He is currently in a critical condition in the hospital. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.”

​Anyone with information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.