A tourist from the US is suing Google Maps for guiding them through a dangerous neighbourhood, Nyanga, in Cape Town.
Google to be sued for misleading destination
Walter Fischel, 55, from Connecticut, rented a car upon arriving in Cape Town last November and entered his destination in Simon’s Town into Google Maps.
While following the navigation system in his car, Fischel was directed through Nyanga, where he encountered assailants near the taxi rank. He was shot in the face and robbed of his personal belongings, documents, and clothing.
As reported to IOL, Thursday, police spokesperson FC van Wyk stated that no arrests had been made in connection with the attempted murder case.
Meanwhile, Fischel expressed his intention to sue Google.
“I am filing a suit and it will be soon. I am still physically and mentally exhausted,” he said.
Joining him in legal action against the technology giant are Jason and Katharine Zoladz from Los Angeles, who were similarly attacked in the same area while on their way to their Airbnb accommodations, according to news reports.
In October of last year, the Zoladz family relied on Google Maps to navigate from their Airbnb to Cape Town International Airport.
At a red light in Nyanga, a man shattered their driver’s side window with a brick, severely injuring Jason.
Despite being robbed, they were able to drive away from the area. This incident occurred shortly after the tragic murder of British tourist Kar Hao Teoh, who was fatally shot after being directed through Nyanga during a violent taxi strike in August.
Additionally, during the same period, another family travelling through Crossroads, which included two children, was attacked and stoned.
Google removes Nyanga route
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and Prof Alistair Mokoena, Google South Africa’s country director, signed a partnership agreement in Parliament on Monday to enhance South Africa’s image as a secure tourist destination.
According to the Daily Maverick, after signing the agreement, Mokoena stated that Google had collaborated with city authorities and pinpointed areas with high crime rates.
These areas, such as Nyanga and the airport intersection, would no longer be suggested by Google Maps as the quickest routes to the city.
Mokoena emphasised that Google prioritiseds the safety of both drivers and commuters.
“Google is a tool to connect you with your destination in the fastest and safest possible time. So when it comes to recommending routes, we look at what is the fastest possible way to get you from point A to point B… we look at the nature of the road, the quality of the road – we also look at safety,” said Mokoena.
Mokoena highlighted that the initial focus would be on Nyanga due to several incidents and a rise in violent crimes in the area.
According to The Star, Google spokesperson José Castañeda stated Wednesday evening that the company was assessing the lawsuit.
“We take driver safety very seriously,” Castañeda said. “We consider a wide range of factors to deliver routes like road size, directness and estimated travel time and continually work to improve our routing.”
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