By Zanele Makola
Two Rea Vaya bus drivers were fatally shot in separate incidents on Monday, 3 February 2024, in what appears to have been targeted attacks.
Kenny Kunene, the City of Johannesburg’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, revealed that in the first incident, a driver was shot dead while waiting at a traffic light on Wildchestnut Street and Protea. In the second incident, another driver was shot on Tshithuthume Street in Mapetla, causing him to lose control of the bus. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Kunene has offered a R100 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
“I am committed to assisting the police in bringing these criminals to justice. I will personally pay R100 000 to anyone who helps the police arrest those involved. I will not wait for the case to be finalised—once the police confirm that they have credible evidence linking the suspects to the crime, the reward will be paid,” he stated. He emphasised that the money would come from his own pocket, not from the City’s funds.
Following the attacks, Rea Vaya services have been suspended until further notice as investigations continue.
“An in-depth security assessment is underway to enhance security at BRT stations and along feeder routes,” Kunene added.
He further assured the public that additional security resources would be deployed to escort and protect drivers and buses to prevent further attacks.
