Cape Town - The Western Cape government has condemned yet another attack on an Intercape bus.
On Sunday, a gunman opened fire on an Intercape bus travelling along Jakes Gerwel Drive.
The bus is understood to have been en route to the CBD long-distance rank where it was to load passengers.
Provincial government said in a joint statement steps had been taken to bring the matter to the attention of relevant authorities.
“The driver was shot and injured and is recovering in hospital. Two other occupants in the bus were unharmed.
“Since the reported spike in attacks on Intercape buses, the Western Cape government has taken steps to ensure that the matter is brought to the attention of relevant authorities in the security and enforcement environment for the urgent coordination of investigations and interventions. We activated court watching briefs to monitor court cases linked to attacks on public transport operators across the province,” the statement read.
In August, Premier Alan Winde wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa to request an urgent meeting and coordinated intervention at national level to combat extortion and racketeering in the public transport sector.
Winde said: “These cowardly acts of violence must be met with decisive action. Apart from a thorough police investigation, as the Western Cape Government we will continue to exert pressure on national government, specifically the President and his Transport Minister, to prioritise addressing the violence that continues to mar the long-distance bus industry.
“Tens of thousands of citizens will be taking to the roads in the coming days. I will be meeting with Intercape management this week.”
Mobility MEC Daylin Mitchell said he has instructed officials to check and verify all long distance bus operating licences and to impound all vehicles that are operating without- or contrary to the conditions of operating licences.
“I have reiterated my instruction to Provincial Traffic to monitor long distance bus operations and, with the support of the SAPS, be on the lookout for any ‘patrol vehicles’ that illegally stop and extort buses and other private vehicles along key routes between the Western Cape and neighbouring provinces.
“The Western Cape government will not condone criminal acts of extortion, will not negotiate with - nor try to appease criminals, and will not allow the rule of law to be compromised.”
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen added the attacks are blatant and a clear attempt to destabilise the long-distance bus industry.
Cape Times