VOW 88.1 AREA CODE

IN CONVERSATION WITH MIKE BALHUIS [CRIME EXPERT]

Loading player...
Crime against ride-hailing drivers has become an increasing concern in South Africa, particularly in urban areas like Johannesburg. Drivers for services such as Uber often face heightened risks because they transport passengers in
unfamiliar areas, frequently at night, and sometimes carry cash or valuables in their vehicles. Westbury, located in the northwestern part of Johannesburg, has historically struggled with higher-than-average crime rates, including armed robberies, car hijackings, and assaults. Incidents involving ride-hailing drivers not only put the drivers’ safety at risk but also affect the perception of safety for passengers and the broader public relying on these services.
Law enforcement agencies urge drivers to follow strict safety protocols, such as verifying passenger identities, sharing trip details with family or colleagues, avoiding high-risk areas, and having safety apps or emergency contacts readily available. Ride-hailing companies like Uber also provide safety features within their apps, including SOS buttons, ride tracking, and 24/7 support lines, aiming to mitigate these risks. Crimes like the recent armed robbery in Westbury underscore the ongoing
challenges of urban crime and the need for stronger security measures and community policing to protect vulnerable workers and residents.
5 Mar English South Africa Entertainment News · Music Interviews

Other recent episodes

IN CONVERSATION WITH ITUMELENG NTHELEDI

South Africa’s entrepreneurs and SMMEs will converge in Rustenburg this November for INNOVEX 2026, a two day innovation and enterprise development summit hosted by Brandscapers Africa. The event, taking place on 26–27 November at Ben Marais Hall, is expected to attract around 600 participants, with attendance free of charge. The…
15 Sep 7 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH BONGANI MASHALANI

Credit has become a defining feature of modern South African life, especially for young people and students seeking independence. Many start their journey with retail store accounts, believing this is the only way to build a credit record. But the reality is broader: credit scores are shaped by payment history,…
15 Sep 7 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH PELONOMI ITUMELENG

South Africa’s furniture manufacturing sector faces a growing challenge of waste, with large volumes of wood and off cuts often discarded. Against this backdrop, Burgundy Collective, a local enterprise, has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable carpentry and furniture production. The company specializes in custom furniture, kitchen cabinets, wardrobes,…
15 Sep 8 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH TEBOGO MASHILOMPANE

Gauteng schools are facing a severe financial crisis, with R971 million in Norms and Standards funding still unpaid months after allocations were due. Evidence presented to the Gauteng Legislature shows that 3,647 schools were owed R2.081 billion in May, but only R1.110 billion has been paid. Special schools are among…
15 Sep 7 min

IN CONVERSATION WITH Khathutshelo Rasilingwane

Area Code is a fun and interactive mid-morning show on VOW, which airs weekdays from 09:00-12:00. This show aims to ease listeners into their mornings by keeping them up-to-date with the latest news and trends, while also serving as a student’s “go-to” for campus-related events and information.
9 Sep 11 min
All episodes