Woman Killed, Two Injured in Eastern Cape Bus Attack
Ngcobo, Eastern Cape — A passenger has died and two others, including the co-driver, sustained injuries after a long-distance bus was ambushed with gunfire on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 4pm on the R61 between Cofimvaba and Ngcobo.
The bus, operated by Makalala Trans, was en route from Mthatha to Cape Town when it came under attack. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which has prompted strong condemnation from the Eastern Cape transport department.
Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha has voiced his deep concern and outrage, labelling the attack as barbaric and criminal. "We cannot allow such acts of violence to go unpunished," he stated. "Those responsible for this act must be swiftly brought to justice. The safety of our people and the integrity of our transport system cannot be compromised."
Nqatha highlighted the unfortunate timing of the incident, occurring during a period of heightened demand for long-distance travel. He expressed concerns that the attack might be connected to unfair competition or disputes over territory within the public transport industry.
The MEC has called upon law enforcement to intensify their investigations and has appealed to the community for assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward and aid the police in apprehending the perpetrators.
"The right of every citizen to use a mode of transport of their choice must be respected and protected," Nqatha emphasised. "Violence and intimidation have no place on our roads or in our communities."
The Eastern Cape transport department has conveyed its condolences to the family of the deceased and extended wishes for a swift recovery to those who were injured in the attack.
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