Rea Vaya bus services suspended after 2 drivers killed in separate incidents

Rea Vaya bus services suspended after 2 drivers killed in separate incidents! Gauteng police have confirmed the murder of a second bus driver in Soweto, following two separate shooting incidents in Protea Glen on Monday night. The shocking events have sparked fears over the safety of public transport workers in the area and led to the temporary suspension of the Rea Vaya bus service.

Details of the Two Fatal Shootings

First Incident: Driver Shot at Traffic Light

According to Gauteng police, the first attack took place when a bus driver stopped at a traffic light and was targeted by unknown gunmen. The suspects opened fire on the vehicle, fatally wounding the driver before fleeing the scene.

Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the attack, and no arrests have been made.

Second Incident: Passenger Witnesses the Attack

A second bus driver was murdered later that night on Tshithuthune Street. Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi provided chilling details about how a passenger on the bus reported the crime.

“The eyewitness reported that he was the last passenger on the bus when he suddenly heard gunshots. He immediately took cover. After a moment of silence, he realized the driver had been shot. In an attempt to get help, he tried to drive the bus but ended up crashing into a wall.”

The driver was declared dead at the scene, while the passenger miraculously escaped unharmed.

Investigation Underway, Motive Still Unknown

The Gauteng police have launched an investigation into the killings, but as of now, there are no suspects or clear motives behind the attacks.

Officials are exploring several possibilities, including:

• Targeted killings related to disputes in the transport sector.
• Criminal activity, such as armed robbery or extortion attempts.
• Possible links to ongoing tensions between different bus operators or associations.

While it is too early to determine the exact cause, the brutal nature of the attacks has alarmed both commuters and drivers.

Rea Vaya Suspends Services for Safety

In response to the attacks, the Rea Vaya bus service took to social media on Tuesday morning, confirming that they would be temporarily suspending operations until further notice.

The decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers, while authorities work to assess the situation and implement security measures.

The suspension is expected to cause major disruptions for thousands of daily commuters who rely on Rea Vaya buses, particularly in Soweto and surrounding areas.

Concerns Over the Safety of Public Transport Workers

The murder of two bus drivers in one night has raised serious concerns about the safety of public transport employees, particularly in high-risk areas.

Bus drivers often work long hours and operate in isolated areas, making them vulnerable to criminal attacks.

Transport unions and industry representatives have called for:

• Increased police visibility along high-risk bus routes.
• The installation of onboard security cameras and panic buttons in buses.
• Stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies and transport operators.
• A thorough investigation to determine if these attacks are isolated incidents or part of a larger pattern.

Public Reaction and Calls for Action

The news of the killings and service suspension has triggered outrage and concern among Johannesburg residents. Many have taken to social media, demanding that authorities act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore safety in the public transport sector.

Local community leaders and advocacy groups have also weighed in, urging the Gauteng government to take the safety of bus drivers more seriously.

What Happens Next?

While police investigations continue, Rea Vaya has not yet announced when bus services will resume. Commuters are advised to seek alternative transport options in the meantime.

Authorities have urged anyone with information about the attacks to come forward and assist the investigation.

For now, the city of Johannesburg is left grappling with another wave of violence, as families of the victims mourn their loved ones and transport workers fear for their safety.