Tragic Violence Rocks South Africa's Public Transport Sector
- Two Rea Vaya bus drivers were tragically killed in separate shootings on the night of February 3, 2025.
- The same day, nine North West Transport Investment buses were destroyed in a suspicious fire.
- Many South Africans blame the taxi association, pointing to long-standing disputes over transport routes.
GAUTENG – The brutal murders of two bus drivers in Soweto have left the nation in disbelief, sparking widespread speculation about the motives behind these heinous crimes. South Africans are left wondering why these two innocent men were targeted so violently. It's a story that's breaking hearts across the country.
The Rea Vaya drivers were gunned down in two separate incidents on the night of Monday, February 3, 2025. As police dive into the investigation, the motives for these cold-blooded killings remain a mystery. Fear is spreading among drivers and commuters who are now questioning their own safety.
Two Drivers Shot Dead in Disturbing Incidents
According to Provincial Police Spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, one of the drivers was ambushed at a traffic light on Wild Chestnut Street in Protea Glen. An unidentified assailant approached the bus and unleashed a barrage of bullets from the outside, then moved to the main entrance to continue the attack. Thankfully, the passengers managed to escape unscathed, but the driver wasn't so lucky.
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In another chilling incident in Mapetla, a driver was shot while the bus was still in motion. A passenger on board recounted the harrowing experience, explaining that he heard gunshots and quickly took cover. When the gunfire ceased, he discovered the driver had been fatally wounded. In a desperate attempt to regain control, the passenger tried to drive the bus, but it crashed into a wall. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rea Vaya Halts Services Amid Rising Tensions
In light of these tragic events, Rea Vaya has announced that they will temporarily suspend their services. The transport company has urged passengers to seek alternative means of public transport while the situation is being addressed. This decision underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of all involved.
Attacks on Buses Escalate Across the Country
The recent violence against Rea Vaya drivers is just the latest in a series of troubling incidents targeting public transport. Just last week, multiple Putco buses were torched at different depots in Mpumalanga, leading to the arrest of two suspects. The attacks continued with the destruction of nine North West Transport Investment buses in a fire on February 3. Authorities are still investigating whether the fire was an act of sabotage or an unfortunate accident.
Nation Gripped by Grief and Anger
The tragic news has sent shockwaves through social media, where many users are expressing their grief and outrage. People are questioning why these hardworking drivers were targeted so mercilessly. The pain and frustration are palpable as South Africans grapple with the senseless violence.
Shatadi Chuene voiced the sentiment of many when he asked:
“What did these poor drivers do to deserve this? They were just trying to support their families. 😭”
Mahlosana Smonyo echoed the sentiment:
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“Why are they targeting the drivers? This has to stop.”
Charlene Botha pleaded for intervention:
“We’re losing breadwinners here. Minister of Transport, please step in before it’s too late. 😭”
Dimakatso Marry captured the despair felt in Soweto:
“There’s no peace in Soweto. Killing breadwinners like this is unacceptable.”
Some are pointing fingers at the taxi industry, accusing them of being behind the attacks.
Thapelo Listener expressed his frustration:
“Taxi bosses and their drivers operate like a law unto themselves. What can we do? We’re ruled by the mafia.”
Dhatchick Busenhle Waka Mlima added:
“It’s obvious who’s behind this. The taxi owners are at it again. 😭”
Max Mkhonto highlighted the root of the conflict:
“This war on buses started in Mpumalanga, and now it’s spreading to Johannesburg. It’s all about routes and control.”
Jnr Stepdad Bhango questioned the fairness:
“Are buses no longer allowed to carry passengers? Why are taxis allowed to operate freely without facing such attacks? It’s not fair.”
Thato Omphimetse Shai shared her experience:
“Taxi owners think they own this country. Even in my area, buses were chased away by taxi owners not too long ago.”
Two Men Face Court for Putco Arson
Briefly News reported that two men are now facing charges in court for allegedly setting 51 Putco buses ablaze. The arson attacks took place at Putco depots in KwaMhlanga and Siyabuswa on January 27, 2025. Armed men in vehicles stormed the depots, assaulting and robbing employees before torching the buses. The trial is ongoing, and the nation awaits justice.
