Economic Freedom Fighters
By Thabo Mosia
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have strongly condemned the recent murders of two Rea Vaya bus drivers in Soweto, calling for immediate government intervention to ensure the safety of public transport workers. The drivers were fatally shot in separate incidents in Mapetla and Protea Glen on Monday evening. 
In a statement, EFF National Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo described the killings as “brutal and senseless,” emphasizing that they represent an unacceptable escalation of violence against essential service providers. Thambo extended condolences to the families of the victims and highlighted the importance of public transport workers in serving communities. 
The EFF expressed concern that despite the positive intentions behind Rea Vaya’s feeder routes—designed to improve accessibility and provide affordable transport for Soweto residents—tensions within the transport industry have escalated to violence. The party acknowledged that certain sectors within the transport industry have voiced concerns regarding the new routes, which previously led to disruptions and the suspension of Rea Vaya services in November 2024. The routes were subsequently restored. 
While respecting the right of transport stakeholders to express their concerns, the EFF unequivocally rejected any form of violence as a means of resolving disputes. The party called on the Gauteng MEC for Transport and the national Minister of Transport to intervene immediately to address the brewing tensions within the transport sector. They emphasized the need for peaceful, constructive solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of transport workers and commuters alike. 
The suspension of Rea Vaya services has caused significant disruption to thousands of commuters who rely on this vital public transport system to travel to work, school, and other essential destinations. The EFF demanded the restoration of services and the establishment of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, ensuring that such violence never occurs again. 
The party also highlighted a disturbing pattern of attacks against public transport workers across the country. Just last week, 50 PUTCO buses were burned at the Nkangala Depot in Mpumalanga, and yesterday, nine buses were set alight in Moretele in the North West. These coordinated acts of violence against public transport infrastructure signal a clear and deliberate effort to undermine the transport sector and sow chaos in communities that rely on these essential services. 
The EFF stands united with the families of the fallen drivers and pledges support for the safety and rights of all workers within the public transport sector. They call on all parties involved to work towards de-escalation, dialogue, and the protection of human life, urging that those responsible for the killings face the full might of the law. 
In response to the shootings, the City of Johannesburg has suspended all Rea Vaya bus operations until further notice, pending a plan of action to escort and protect drivers and buses from further possible attacks. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department is reported to be investigating the source of these killings. 
Commuters have been left stranded due to the suspension, with many expressing frustration over the sudden halt in services. The city has assured drivers and commuters that everything possible will be done to protect them, including immediate engagements with the taxi industry, provincial law and safety agencies, and a detailed risk assessment of BRT routes and stations. 
Gauteng police are investigating the murders, with Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo indicating that in both incidents, the motive for the shootings is still unknown. The police have called for anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigations. 
The EFF’s call for immediate intervention underscores the urgency of addressing violence within South Africa’s public transport sector to ensure the safety of workers and the continuity of essential services.

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