A couple brutally attacked by armed gang members while driving to the airport in Cape Town, South Africa, has sued Google, claiming the company should pay for routing them through a gang-infested neighborhood known for such ambushes and robberies, when Google had long been warned by South African and U.S. government officials to change its Google Maps app to stop sending tourists through that part of Cape Town.
On Jan. 30, a couple from Los Angeles, Jason and Katharine Zoladz, filed a lawsuit against Google in Santa Clara County Superior Court.
According to the complaint, in October 2023, the Zoladzes were attacked and robbed by an armed gang when they stopped at a red light while following the route suggested by the Maps app to reach Cape Town International Airport from the Airbnb rental at which they had been staying in the city.
According to the complaint, the incident left Jason with severe injuries, including a broken jaw that now has four metal plates and possible future surgeries. Katharine also suffered injuries to her arm and both are dealing with extreme emotional distress.
The couple accuses Google of gross negligence as the tech giant allegedly had been warned by South African and U.S. officials about the risks associated with the area known as "Hell Run." Despite these warnings, Google allegedly failed to update its Maps app to avoid this route or provide users with real-time notifications about potential hazards.
The Zoladzes are represented by attorneys Gregory S. Dovel and Susan Posluszny, of the firm of Dovel & Luner LLP, of Santa Monica.