Latest news with #Myeza
IOL News
12-08-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Inkatha Freedom Party stands by Mayor Myeza amid assault claims
Deputy Transport Minister, and IFP National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa Image: SAMSA/Supplied The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said it will not fire Inkosilangalibalele Local Municipality Mayor, Mduduzi "Sobholenyoni" Myeza, from his position after he assaulted a female staff member, who is also a party member. Myeza allegedly manhandled Zanele Mazibuko who is a party's official. Speaking to Daily News, Mazibuko said the mayor got agitated after she questioned him about who appointed Fani Fani as the chairperson. She said that irked Myeza which led to the alleged assault. 'The mayor assaulted me because he doesn't want to be questioned. I've opened a case of assault against him and the matter is currently before the court. "We will be going back to court tomorrow (Wednesday) and we will see how it goes,'Mazibuko said. She also expressed her disappointment at the lack of support from the organisation, and said that the party had not done anything to remedy the situation. Mazibuko said she was expected to work with the mayor even though she wasn't comfortable with it. The party's National spokesperson Mkhulekwa Hlengwa told the publication that the party can't fire Myeza based on allegations. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Hlengwa said although the matter was still in a court of law, it didn't mean that the mayor was guilty. 'We must follow the rule of natural justice. We can't take any decision before the process in court is concluded. "The claims remain allegations (at this stage) and those allegations must be tested in a court of law, so what action would you want us to take?', asked the IFP spokesperson. An IFP member known to the publication, said Mazibuko's situation was testament that the organisation would always be patriarchal and that it was resistant to change. 'Our rights as women in the organisation will never be considered and we have allowed this attitude to be entrenched in the movement as women of this organisation. "Our fellow male party members, don't want to be opposed, especially from women. When you do that, they feel insulted. We can't just say 'yes, baba' all the way. "Women have opinions, we want to be part of the solution,' the member stated. She said it was hypocritical of the movement to say Mazibuko's claims were 'allegations' whereas she was physically assaulted by one of the members and the matter was before the court. Myeza appeared at the Estcourt Magistrate's Court on Monday. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson's in KZN, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, confirmed that the mayor appeared in court.
IOL News
26-06-2025
- IOL News
E-hailing platform rejects claims that Simthande Myeza was using its platform during abduction in Durban
Simthande Myeza, a digital creator from Durban who alleged he was abducted while using Bolt. Image: Instagram In a strong rebuttal to claims that popular Durban influencer Simthande Myeza was abducted while using their platform, Bolt has issued a statement defending its reputation amidst growing public concern over safety in the e-hailing industry. The statement comes on the heels of a distressing incident reported by Myeza's family, who allege that he was kidnapped on the night of June 17 in the Umbilo area of Durban. "Based on the available data, we can confirm that the incident described did not occur during a Bolt trip," asserted Lerato Motsoeneng, Senior General Manager of Bolt South Africa. "We also have strong reasons to believe that the drivers who took trips from locations relevant to the incident had nothing to do with it." Bolt's response came amid a surge of public unease regarding the safety protocols employed by e-hailing services. Following the reported incident, the platform launched an internal investigation to identify any possible connections between its services and the alleged abduction. Motsoeneng explained that, according to Bolt's verified trip data, Myeza requested a ride at 3pm on the day of the incident. The company emphasised that its algorithm matches riders and drivers in real time without any prior knowledge of the rider's identity. The ride was completed, and the drop-off point was approximately 114 metres from Myeza's originally requested location, a variance that is considered acceptable due to GPS accuracy. Furthermore, the records indicate that Myeza did not engage in any Bolt trip activity later that evening, despite his claims of being taken at around 8pm. Instead, a different driver, unrelated to the initial trip, was matched to a return journey ordered from a separate account, reinforcing Bolt's assertion that the incident was not associated with their platform. 'We have officially shared all our findings with the relevant authorities and are committed to fully cooperating with them,' Motsoeneng continued. 'Our safety and operations teams continue to support law enforcement by providing all relevant trip data, maintaining secure and tamper-proof records.' Moreover, Bolt stated that should the investigation reveal any slanderous claims against the company, it would contemplate legal action. In light of the situation, Bolt has been in contact with Myeza to facilitate further inquiries, aiming to address any lingering concerns surrounding the safety of their service. As the investigation progresses, Bolt remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring user safety, asserting that the well-being of its community is paramount. The platform has reiterated its ongoing engagement with law enforcement in a bid to uphold the trust placed in it by its users.
The Citizen
26-06-2025
- The Citizen
Bolt pokes holes in TikToker Simthande Myeza's abduction claims
Bolt says its records do not support the version of events shared by Myeza's family. E-hailing service Bolt has dismissed claims that TikToker Simthande Myeza was abducted during one of its trips, citing findings from its internal investigation. Myeza's family recently released a statement, alleging he was abducted during his Bolt ride on Tuesday, 17 June, in the Umbilo area in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Family spokesperson Lomsongaka Myeza said Simthande became suspicious when the driver took an unexpected route, prompting him to ask the driver to make a U-turn. 'That's when the driver became agitated and eventually stopped the car. Two other African males approached the vehicle, and one of them pointed a gun at Simthande. The other blindfolded him, tied his hands, and drove with him to an unknown location,' the family's statement read. READ MORE: Simthande Myeza 'abducted and robbed' during e-hailing trip: TikToker's family speaks Bolt: 'The incident described did not occur during a Bolt trip' In a statement released on Wednesday, Bolt South Africa's Senior General Manager, Lerato Motsoeneng, said their records do not support the version of events shared by Myeza. 'Following the 17 June incident reported on social media, we launched a thorough internal investigation. Based on the available data, we can confirm that the incident described did not occur during a Bolt trip,' Motsoeneng said. According to the statement, Myeza requested a ride at 15:03 on 17 June. The trip was completed by a verified driver, with the drop-off location within 114 metres of the intended destination — a margin Bolt says falls within normal GPS accuracy. 'We can confirm that the rider and driver were alone in the vehicle. We subsequently checked the driver's details and found out that he has been driving using the Bolt app since December 2024. 'Mr Myeza said in a media statement that the incident took place at around 20:00 the same evening. Our records do not show any Bolt trip activity associated with him during that time.' Motsoeneng added that the alleged return trip mentioned on social media was also investigated. 'This second trip involved a different driver, ordered from a separate rider account. The driver was matched using our standard algorithm, which means he could not have known in advance who the passenger would be.' Bolt said it has shared its findings with relevant authorities and will continue to assist law enforcement. 'Based on the outcome of the official investigation, we will decide whether to pursue legal action against any claims found to be defamatory towards Bolt.' Efforts to reach Myeza for comment were unsuccessful. The Citizen has sent queries to the KwaZulu-Natal police for an update on the case and will update the story once a response is received. NOW READ: 'If I were Orlando Pirates coach, I'd let it loose,' says Pirates coach lookalike, actor Mbulelo Grootboom
The South African
24-06-2025
- The South African
Bolt reacts to YouTuber's alleged kidnapping
E-hailing company Bolt expressed concern and sympathy following the alleged kidnapping of a YouTuber, Simthande Myeza. He was allegedly abducted in Durban while travelling in a Bolt vehicle. Senior General Manager of Bolt South Africa, Lerato Motsoeneng, described the incident as deeply disturbing. He said Bolt is handling the matter with the utmost seriousness and will fully support the relevant authorities in addressing it. 'Our safety team has reached out to the individual to gather more information and better understand what occurred. While we are still in the process of verifying the trip information, we remain committed to engaging all parties to ensure the matter is thoroughly addressed,' said Motsoeneng. SAFETY REMAINS BOLT'S TOP PRIORITY The e-hailing company says safety is its highest priority. Motsoeneng said Bolt remains deeply committed to ensuring every Bolt ride is a safe and trusted experience. 'We will continue to work closely with the relevant law enforcement authorities and act decisively as soon as we have the information needed to do so,' added Motsoeneng. Myeza's family said the online comedian is safe and currently recovering. The family added that they are allowing the law to take its course. KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Umbilo police are investigating a case of kidnapping. In a statement, the family said that the Bolt driver took the incorrect route before stopping the car. Thereafter, two others held Myeza at gunpoint. The family claimed that they drove Myeza to an unknown location and cleaned out his bank account before demanding a ransom from his family and friends. They also claim that kidnappers stripped him of his clothes and took pictures and videos of him while forcing him to perform acts. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- The Citizen
Bolt SA responds after TikToker's alleged abduction
The content creator was allegedly abducted and robbed during a Bolt ride in Durban. Bolt South Africa says it is taking the case of TikTok content creator Simthande Myeza seriously after he was allegedly abducted and robbed during a ride in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. According to a statement from Myeza's family, he was abducted last Tuesday in the Umbilo area in Durban and released in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The family said Myeza became suspicious when the driver took a different route, and he then asked the driver to make a U-turn. 'That's when the driver became agitated and eventually stopped the car. Two other African males approached the vehicle, and one of them pointed a gun at Simthande. The other blindfolded him, tied his hands and drove with him to an unknown location,' the statement read. READ MORE: Simthande Myeza 'abducted and robbed' during e-hailing trip: TikToker's family speaks Bolt says rider safety is a top priority Bolt South Africa's Senior General Manager, Lerato Motsoeneng, said the company is aware of the incident and has reached out to Myeza. 'We are aware of the incident currently being shared online involving a rider, Simthande Myeza, who reportedly experienced a deeply disturbing situation while using our platform. 'We want to express our sincere concern and sympathy. We're committed to handling this matter with the utmost seriousness and will fully support the relevant authorities in addressing it,' Motsoeneng said. Motsoeneng added that Bolt is still in the process of verifying the trip information and will engage with all parties to ensure the matter is thoroughly addressed. 'The safety of our community is our highest priority. We remain deeply committed to doing everything we can to ensure that every ride on Bolt is a safe and trusted experience. 'We will continue to work closely with the relevant law enforcement authorities and act decisively as soon as we have the information needed to do so.' NOW READ: Gayton McKenzie says he's 'gonna fight very hard' for at least one Bok game to be broadcast to everyone
