DA condemns targeted violence against long-distance transport

Dear Editor

The DA in the Western Cape condemns the targeted violence against long-distance drivers and operators in the province.

Over the past number of months long-distance operators such as the Intercape Bus Company have seen a spike in what appears to be targeted violence and intimidation by individuals suspected to be part of the long-distance taxi industry.

Over 100 complaints have been received by the SAPS from bus drivers concerned for their safety on the road. The violence has already claimed its first causality with the death of a bus driver, Mr Bangikhaya Machana, a 35-year-old victim from Lower Crossroads. He passed away as a result of horrific injuries sustained during a shooting outside the Intercape Company depot in Cape Town.

The DA expresses our deepest sympathies with the Machana family. We share their grief and urge SAPS to treat this horrific crime with priority and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

I will also write to the Ministers of Mobility and Community Safety to inquire about how the Provincial Government plans to intervene in the violent feud between Cape Town taxi associations and the Intercape Bus Company.

Furthermore, we call on all role-players in the Western Cape including SAPS, the Provincial Government and taxi associations to work together in order to bring an end to this criminality. We must ensure the safety of all commuters, drivers, and road users.

This is a serious subject that needs to be investigated further. Violence is not the way to solve problems. All individuals who are permitted to use the road must do so, and no violence and intimidation should be tolerated.

Regards

Derrick America, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Transport and Public Works