Police in Gauteng have arrested a woman after an e-hailing driver was allegedly murdered in Pretoria West on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The woman faces charges of car hijacking and murder and is scheduled to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 16.
Authorities confirmed that preliminary investigations indicate the crime involved two suspects—a man and a woman—who requested the driver’s services before the attack occurred. The victim’s body and hijacked vehicle were later recovered in Atteridgeville on the same day, highlighting the seriousness of the crime.
E-Hailing Driver Murder: Pretoria West Crime Overview
The horrifying incident came to public attention after a video surfaced on social media, showing the e-hailing driver being assaulted while in his vehicle. In the footage, a woman wearing a bucket hat and a white t-shirt can be seen in the front seat while a male accomplice sat behind, allegedly attacking the driver until he went limp. A third individual was later shown taking over the vehicle.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo expressed grave concern over the circulation of the video. He stated:
“The police strongly condemn the circulation of the video that depicts what appears to be a gruesome murder of the victim. Social media users are urged not to share, forward, or repost the footage, as this could interfere with the investigation and further traumatise the victim’s family.”
The arrest of the female suspect represents a breakthrough in the case, but authorities emphasised that investigations are ongoing, and additional arrests are expected.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
The woman taken into custody is facing charges that include murder and car hijacking, which carry severe legal consequences in South Africa. She is due to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court, where the prosecution will present the evidence collected from preliminary investigations.
The arrest follows an extensive investigation initiated immediately after the incident, including forensic analysis and review of the social media video. Gauteng police have deployed senior detectives to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
How the Crime Unfolded?
According to police findings:
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The suspects requested an e-hailing service in Pretoria West.
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During the ride, the male and female suspects allegedly attacked the driver inside the vehicle.
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After overpowering the driver, they moved his body to the backseat, and a third suspect assumed control of the car.
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The vehicle and victim were discovered later the same day in Atteridgeville.
Colonel Masondo emphasised the danger of sharing graphic videos:
“Circulation of this type of content could compromise investigations and cause additional distress to the family. We urge the public to report such footage instead of sharing it.”
Police Statements and Investigation Update
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Gauteng assigned a senior detective to ensure that the case is thoroughly investigated. The office confirmed a breakthrough with the arrest on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Masondo confirmed that the female suspect is expected in court on Monday, February 16, 2026. He also noted that police are actively pursuing additional suspects connected to the crime:
“The police have arrested a female suspect after an e-hailing driver was allegedly killed while inside the car in Pretoria West. More arrests are imminent as police investigations continue.”
Authorities are treating the case with urgency due to the violent and public nature of the incident.
Impact on the Community
The incident has shocked residents of Pretoria West and the wider Gauteng province. E-hailing drivers and passengers alike are expressing concern about safety, and the South African Police Service has urged e-hailing operators to remind drivers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Community leaders and activists have also condemned the act. Yusuf Abramjee, a well-known anti-crime activist, shared the video on X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the dangers but stressed the importance of not circulating the graphic content.
Legal Implications for Suspects
If convicted, the female suspect could face a long-term prison sentence for both murder and car hijacking. Under South African law:
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Murder carries a potential life sentence, depending on aggravating circumstances.
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Car hijacking is considered a serious violent crime with lengthy imprisonment.
Authorities are treating the case with maximum priority to ensure a fair and thorough prosecution.
Police Safety Advisory
Police continue to advise all South Africans, particularly e-hailing drivers, to follow safety protocols:
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Verify passenger identities before starting trips.
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Share live location details with trusted contacts.
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Avoid picking up passengers in isolated areas.
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Report suspicious behavior immediately to the police.
The SAPS has also warned social media users against sharing videos of violent crimes, noting that doing so can obstruct justice.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
The investigation into the Pretoria West murder is ongoing. Police are reviewing CCTV footage, mobile phone records, and other forensic evidence to identify any additional suspects involved in the crime.
Authorities are expected to make further arrests soon, as the investigation team continues to gather critical evidence to ensure that justice is served for the victim and his family.
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Conclusion
The arrest of a female suspect in the e-hailing driver murder case in Pretoria West marks an important step in addressing this tragic incident. The graphic video that circulated online brought national attention to the crime and emphasised the risks faced by e-hailing drivers.
Police investigations are ongoing, and the public is urged to cooperate with authorities, avoid sharing sensitive content, and assist in bringing all suspects to justice. As the female suspect awaits her court appearance on February 16, the SAPS remains committed to ensuring that Pretoria West sees accountability for this violent act.
This case highlights the critical importance of safety for drivers and the need for swift action against perpetrators of violent crimes in South Africa.
Mainstream media references
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Woman arrested for murder of e‑hailing driver | eNCA – Reports that a female suspect was arrested after an e‑hailing driver was killed in Pretoria West, with police confirming the victim’s body and vehicle were found in Atteridgeville.
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Female suspect arrested after e‑hailing driver’s gruesome murder | News24 – Details the violent dashcam‑captured attack, the arrest of a female suspect, and the ongoing investigation with further arrests expected.
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