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Rea Vaya Bus Services to Resume Following Deadly Soweto Attacks

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Picture: ReaVayaBus/X

Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya bus services will resume operations on Wednesday following a temporary suspension due to the fatal shootings of two bus drivers in Soweto.

The drivers were shot and killed on Monday night in what officials have described as targeted assassinations. In response, Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene confirmed that additional security measures, including police escorts, will be implemented to ensure the safety of commuters and drivers.

Speaking to SABC News, Kunene called the attacks a “declaration of war” against Soweto residents and local government. He confirmed that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) had been instructed to formulate a security plan to prevent further violence.

“JMPD has committed to putting together a plan so that they can escort buses and station officers at key Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) hubs,” Kunene said. “We must respond with the full force of the law.”

The shootings occurred in Wildchestnut Street, Protea Glen, and in Mapetla, Soweto. According to Kunene, both incidents appeared to be premeditated.

Also Read: Rea Vaya Suspends Services Following Shooting Incident in Soweto

Kunene provided chilling details of the attacks, revealing that the first shooting took place near Mapetla Secondary School around 8:30 PM. Gunmen fired multiple shots at the driver while he was operating the bus, causing it to come to a stop before they returned to “finish him off.”

The second attack, which happened just minutes later near Curro Academy in Protea Glen, involved 17 gunshots.

“This was an assassination,” Kunene said. “One driver was still alive when paramedics arrived, but he died on the way to the hospital. In Protea Glen, 17 bullets were fired—it was a clear execution.”

Reports have emerged that four suspects, identified as Lesotho nationals, were arrested near the scene of the shootings. Police also recovered an unlicensed firearm. However, Kunene declined to comment on whether they were directly linked to the killings.

“We will allow the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct their investigation. As the City of Johannesburg, we hope that the law will take its course,” he said.

While speculation has mounted about possible involvement from taxi operators or rival bus services, Kunene refused to point fingers.

“We don’t want to speculate about the involvement of the taxi industry or whether feeder buses played a role,” he said.

Rea Vaya buses remained off the roads on Tuesday as a precautionary measure. Kunene acknowledged that drivers were deeply traumatized and that the city did not want to risk commuter safety with drivers who were not yet emotionally prepared to return to work.

However, with JMPD’s security plan now in place, the city has confirmed that services will resume on Wednesday morning.

“These attacks are an attempt to intimidate Soweto residents,” Kunene said. “But we will not allow criminals to dictate the future of public transport in Johannesburg.”

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