MakaTha’s kidnapping reignites calls for Bolt to be shut down

The recent abduction of popular content creator, Simthande Myeza, has yet again raised concerns over the safety of using e-hailing service, Bolt, with some social media users suggesting that maybe it’s time people return to using taxis.

Myeza, who is known for his skits as MakaThangithini or MakaTha’ on TikTok and Facebook, says he was kidnapped after requesting a Bolt on Tuesday evening at Durban’s Umbilo, in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to a statement from his family, the suspects emptied Myeza’s bank account, demanded a ransom from his loved ones, stripped him naked and forced him to perform “despicable acts”.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, says they are investigating the matter.

Bolt is notorious in the country due to its perceived poor vetting of drivers. While various allegations have been made against the e-hailing service’s drivers, last year one of them was jailed for violating women.

Emmanuel Mudua was sentenced to two life imprisonment terms, plus 60 years for rape, kidnapping, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He had raped four women passengers between January and February 2022.

There is nothing I despise more than oskhotheni abangafuni ukufunda nokusebenza bese bebona kungcono ukuthi bahambe bebamba abantu inkunzi. What happened to Simthande Myeza is despicable they need to be found and killed! No discussions !.

— uBasizakele 🌸 (@basizakele) June 20, 2025

@sizwe.mdlalose_ba Namanje wena ungujehova igamalakho 🙌🏻🙏🏾 @Simthande Myeza ♬ original sound – CC