JOHANNESBURG - The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has condemned a violent attack on a Makalala Trans bus travelling from Mthatha to Cape Town.
The bus came under gunfire on Wednesday afternoon on the R61 route between Cofimvaba and Engcobo.
One female passenger was fatally shot, while two others, including the co-driver, were injured and taken to a nearby health facility for treatment.
Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha expressed outrage at the senseless violence, calling the attack “barbaric and criminal.”
“We cannot allow such acts of violence to go unpunished. Those responsible for this heinous act must be swiftly brought to justice. The safety of our people and the integrity of our transport system cannot be compromised,” said Nqatha.
He noted that the incident comes during a period of high demand for long-distance travel, raising concerns that it may be linked to unfair competition or turf-related disputes within the public transport sector.
The MEC called on law enforcement to intensify investigations and urged community members to come forward with any information that could help identify the attackers.
“The right of every citizen to use a mode of transport of their choice must be respected and protected. Violence and intimidation have no place on our roads or in our communities,” Nqatha added.