TSAKANE, GAUTENG – The community of Tsakane and surrounding areas has been left heartbroken after the body of 26-year-old Bolt driver Bonga Wilisile was discovered in Orange Farm earlier this week. Wilisile had been missing for several days following a trip from Palm Springs to Tsakane, sparking widespread concern and a desperate search effort.
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that Wilisile’s body was found in an open veld in Orange Farm. His car, which had also been missing, was recovered earlier in Tsakane as police and community members intensified their search operations.
The Wilisile family released a statement confirming the devastating news and expressing their profound grief. “On behalf of the Wilisile family, heartfelt gratitude is extended to the community for the overwhelming support, compassion, and solidarity shown during this difficult time,” they said. The family has appealed for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.
The tragic discovery has shocked residents across Gauteng, many of whom had taken part in the search or shared information online in hopes of finding the missing driver alive. Social media was flooded with messages of condolences and anger, as friends and fellow e-hailing drivers demanded justice and safety reforms for drivers operating under dangerous conditions.
Local police have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wilisile’s death. At this stage, officials have not disclosed the cause of death, and no arrests have been made. Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
According to preliminary reports, Wilisile had accepted a ride request from Palm Springs on the day he disappeared. His family reported him missing shortly after he failed to return home and could not be reached by phone. In the days that followed, community search groups, fellow drivers, and local organizations joined forces with law enforcement to track his movements and locate his vehicle.
A neighbour and family friend described Bonga as a “kind and hardworking young man” who was committed to supporting his family. “He was always smiling and full of life. None of us imagined this would be the outcome,” she said.
The tragedy has reignited concerns about the safety of ride-hailing drivers in South Africa, who often face risks ranging from hijackings to violent robberies. Many in the transport industry are calling for tighter security measures, including GPS tracking, panic buttons, and improved collaboration between law enforcement and e-hailing platforms.
As the Wilisile family prepares for funeral arrangements, the community continues to mourn the loss of a young man whose life was cut short far too soon.
“This is not just Bonga’s family’s pain — it’s the community’s pain,” said a local pastor who helped coordinate the search. “We must ensure that no other driver suffers the same fate.”
Police have urged the public to remain patient as investigations continue.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
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