Daylight Bus Shooting on Mthatha-Cape Town Route Leaves Woman Dead, Two Injured

Daylight Bus Shooting on Mthatha-Cape Town Route Shocks Community

A routine journey turned deadly on Wednesday afternoon when a long-distance Makalala Trans bus traveling from Mthatha to Cape Town came under gunfire. The shocking attack on the R61 between Cofimvaba and Engcobo claimed the life of one woman and left two others injured.

Passengers Wounded in Broad Daylight

The bus, carrying dozens of passengers, was ambushed at around 4:30 pm, according to eyewitnesses. The co-driver and another passenger sustained injuries and were quickly transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Authorities described the scene as chaotic, with terrified passengers seeking cover while the gunfire erupted. Social media users from the area expressed outrage and fear, with many calling for increased security on long-distance travel routes.

Authorities Condemn the Attack

Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha labelled the attack “barbaric and criminal,” stressing that such acts cannot 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,” Nqatha said.

He also noted that the incident comes during a peak travel season, suggesting it may be linked to disputes within the public transport sector.

“The attack may be linked to unfair competition or turf-related disputes in the public transport sector. Violence and intimidation have no place on our roads or in our communities,” the MEC added.

Community Appeals and Safety Concerns

The shocking shooting has left residents of Cofimvaba and Engcobo deeply shaken. Many are questioning the safety of buses on rural routes and urging law enforcement to step up patrols. Locals have also called on transport companies to implement stricter security measures, particularly during peak hours.

Social media users shared a mixture of grief and outrage. One Facebook comment read:

“How can people travel safely if this is what awaits us on the roads? Our lives matter too!”

Authorities are appealing to anyone with information about the attack to come forward. MEC Nqatha urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the attackers are apprehended swiftly.

Moving Forward

The transport department has extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery. Investigations are ongoing, with police examining potential links to competition or turf wars among local transport operators.

“The right of every citizen to use a mode of transport of their choice must be respected and protected,” Nqatha emphasized.

As South Africans prepare for the busy holiday travel season, this tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved security and oversight in the public transport sector, particularly on long-distance routes through rural areas.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com