Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele on Wednesday condemned ”in the strongest possible terms” the overnight shooting of a Rea Vaya bus rapid transit (BRT) system bus in Soweto, which left two people, including a police officer, injured.
”As government, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the shooting of a BRT bus in Soweto last night, and wish those injured a speedy recovery.
”We have called upon the South African Police Service to do everything possible to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are speedily brought to book and face the full might of the law. We also call upon members of the public who may have any information on this shooting to please come forward,” Ndebele said.
”Such attacks on the lives of innocent citizens cannot be allowed to continue. All law enforcement agencies are, therefore, stepping up their measures to protect lives and property, including a stronger police presence. We will continue to ensure that our commuters are protected at all cost,” Ndebele added.
The minister said that the government remained committed to implementing the BRT system in partnership with all stakeholders, especially the taxi industry.
”Through the National Joint Working Group (NJWG) on public transport, we will continue our intensive engagement with the taxi industry. Therefore, any issues of concern must be addressed through the NJWG.
”We want to reiterate that the interest of the commuter remains paramount,” Ndebele concluded.
‘An act of cowards’
The Gauteng government also condemned the shooting, calling it ”an act of cowards”.
”We condemn in the strongest possible terms the violent attack on a Rea Vaya bus in Soweto. The shooting is an act of cowards who are bent on using violence to intimidate commuters and the peace loving public,” said its spokesperson in a statement.
Tuesday night’s attack occurred near the Nancefield hostel when unidentified gunmen travelling in a Toyota Quantum opened fire on a Rea Vaya bus, injuring a police officer and a passenger.
Both were in a stable condition on Wednesday, said police spokesperson Inspector Kay Makhubela.
The shooting has led to the strengthening of security in the buses and on all routes of the Rea Vaya system.
Makhubela said a five-hour police raid on the Nancefield hostel, which started at midnight, led to the arrest of six men. One of them was shot in the leg when he tried to evade police.
”He was shot in the leg when he started running away and shooting at police with an unlicensed gun,” said Makhubela.
Another hostel dweller was found with an unlicensed firearm, two were found to have been sought for murder in Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal, and two were found in possession of dagga.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) on Wednesday distanced itself from the shooting.
”It has never been Santaco’s objective to engage in a disruptive and violent activity as this would defeat the very basis of our argument.
”It [the shooting] does not reflect on our position of constructive engagement to resolve differences,” said spokesperson Thabisho Molelekwa. — I-Net Bridge, Sapa