The senseless killing of Euston Mnguni, a University of Johannesburg law graduate who drove for Bolt as a side job, has shocked the community of Noordwyk in Midrand. On Friday, March 24, Euston was kidnapped and shot four times by Bolt clients, leaving behind a devastated family and community.
Melithemba Mnguni, Euston’s older brother and the Gauteng provincial secretary of the E-hailing Partners Council, has spoken out against the dangers of driving for ride-hailing services, especially Bolt. He had previously opposed his younger brother’s decision to drive for Bolt due to safety concerns.
Despite Melithemba’s objections, Euston was determined to make some extra money while waiting for job offers to come in. He had previously worked as a store manager in Mpumalanga, but left after the supermarket was robbed twice. He then moved back to Johannesburg and started driving for Uber.
However, his Uber account was unfairly blocked, and he turned to Bolt as an alternative without his brother’s knowledge. This decision ultimately cost him his life.
The family is still struggling to come to terms with Euston’s untimely death. He was a bright young man with a promising future, and his loss has left a void that can never be filled. Melithemba has appealed to the public to help the family find Euston’s black Kia Rio automobile, which he had bought with his sister before moving to Mpumalanga.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of working in the ride-hailing industry and the need for stricter safety measures to protect drivers. It is a wake-up call for all ride-hailing companies to prioritize the safety of their drivers and passengers. Euston’s death should not be in vain, and we must work towards a safer future for all those who work in this industry.
Mboma Mboma