The family of 26-year-old Bolt driver, Bonga Wilisile, is pleading for help after he vanished on Friday night, shortly after completing a trip from Palm Springs to Tsakane. His last known location was in Tsakane, but since then, no one has heard from him.
According to relatives, Bonga was last active around 9:00 PM, when he accepted what appeared to be an ordinary trip request through the Bolt app. However, what started as a routine drive has since turned into every family’s worst nightmare.
“He never came home, and his phone went off shortly after he dropped the passenger. We have not been able to trace him since,” said a family member, visibly shaken by the ordeal.
Family members describe Bonga as a reliable young man who always kept in touch, especially during his night shifts. When he didn’t respond to calls later that evening, worry quickly turned into panic.
By Saturday morning, relatives had contacted Tsakane Police Station, who had since opened a missing person case and begun tracing his movements using both cell tower data and Bolt’s trip records.
“Our team is working with the family and the e-hailing company to gather as much information as possible,” said a local police spokesperson. “Anyone with information is urged to come forward immediately.”
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Growing Concerns for e-Hailing Driver Safety
Incidents involving e-hailing drivers have been on the rise in several parts of Gauteng. According to community safety groups, many drivers face risks from robberies, hijackings, and kidnappings, particularly when working late hours or in isolated areas.
Transport safety advocate Sipho Mahlangu urged authorities to strengthen coordination with ride-hailing platforms.
“Drivers like Bonga risk their lives every night to earn an income. We need better safety measures — panic buttons, GPS alerts, and faster police response times,” Mahlangu said.
Family’s Desperate Appeal for Help
Bonga’s relatives have not given up hope. They’ve spent days visiting hospitals, police stations, and even informal settlements, hoping for any clue that could lead to his safe return.
“We just want our brother home. If anyone knows where he is, please help us. Even the smallest piece of information could save his life,” pleaded a cousin.
The family has shared two contact numbers for anyone who may have seen or heard from Bonga: 072 021 8712 or 071 978 8568.
Also Read | Phoenix Family Still Searching for Missing Mother After 267 Days
How You Can Help Bonga
The public is urged to share verified information and repost Bonga’s picture on social media platforms to widen the search. If you know anyone in the Tsakane or Palm Springs area who may have witnessed something unusual on Friday night, contact the nearest police station immediately.
Every share, call, and conversation can make a difference. Let us help bring Bonga Wilisile home.
Published by: Missing Persons South Africa
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