Dear Editor
I have invited the Intercape Bus Company, SANTACO, SAPS, and the Provincial Department of Community Safety and Police Oversight to appear before the Western Cape Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Transport in light of the deadly attacks on long-distance bus operators.
Over 150 incidents of violence have been perpetrated against long-distance bus drivers and passengers between January 2021 and February 2022. These attacks include shootings, arson, rock-throwing and other forms of violent intimidation.
Bus operators have alleged that taxi associations were behind the violent attacks which have already claimed the life of a 35-year-old driver, Bangikhaya Machana, who was shot three times at Intercape’s Cape Town depot. Contestation over the issuing of licences, bus routes and fares are said to be behind these wanton acts of violence.
The blatant and senseless violence must come to an end. It is for this reason that I have invited the relevant role-players to appear before the Standing Committee in order to pave a way forward towards peace. The safety and security of long-distance bus drivers and passengers must be prioritised in order to prevent any further bloodshed.
Regards
Ricardo Mackenzie, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Transport
