MMC Kenny Kunene
By Karabo Marifi
Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene has confirmed that Rea Vaya bus services will resume on Wednesday morning, following a temporary suspension on Tuesday due to the fatal shooting of two bus drivers in Soweto on Monday night.
Kunene assured residents that security measures are being reinforced to ensure the safety of both drivers and commuters. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has devised a plan to escort buses and secure strategic Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations to prevent further incidents.
Deadly Attacks on Rea Vaya Bus Drivers
The violent attacks took place in two locations in Soweto:
1. Wild Chestnut Street, Protea Glen
2. Mapetla, near Curo College
Kunene described the shootings as an orchestrated attack, revealing shocking details about how the drivers were targeted and assassinated.
Incident 1: Mapetla Secondary School Shooting
• The first shooting occurred near Mapetla Secondary School at 20:30.
• The assailants fired eight bullets at the bus driver while he was still driving.
• When the bus came to a stop, the shooters approached and “finished him off”.
• The driver was still alive when paramedics arrived but died en route to the hospital.
Incident 2: Protea Glen Shooting
• The second attack took place near Curo College, Protea.
• In this attack, the assailants fired 17 bullets at the driver, ensuring he was dead before fleeing the scene.
• The two shootings happened within minutes of each other, reinforcing suspicions that the attacks were premeditated and coordinated.
A “Declaration of War” Against Soweto and the Government – Kunene
Speaking to SABC News, Kunene condemned the attacks, calling them a “declaration of war against Soweto residents and all levels of government.”
“This is a serious declaration of war, and we must respond in the same way as government. JMPD has committed to putting together a plan to escort buses and secure key BRT stations,” he said.
Kunene strongly denounced the attackers’ motives, arguing that the shootings were meant to intimidate Rea Vaya drivers, commuters, and the government itself.
Security Plan: JMPD to Escort Buses and Increase Patrols
In response to the attacks, the JMPD has drawn up an emergency security plan to safeguard bus drivers and passengers.
Measures Include:
✔ JMPD officers escorting Rea Vaya buses during key operational hours.
✔ Increased visibility at high-risk BRT stations across Soweto.
✔ Additional security patrols along the Rea Vaya bus routes.
✔ Intelligence-driven investigations to track down the masterminds behind the attacks.
Kunene emphasized that protecting commuters and drivers is a top priority, and the government will act swiftly against those behind the attacks.
Arrests: Four Suspects in Custody, But Investigations Ongoing
Reports have emerged that four people were arrested in connection with the shootings. These individuals are allegedly Lesotho nationals who were found near the crime scenes.
Authorities have also seized an unlicensed firearm from the suspects. However, Kunene refused to confirm if they were directly involved in the shootings, stating that police investigations are still ongoing.
Kunene on the Arrests:
“We will allow the SAPS to do their investigation. We understand that four people were arrested near the shooting locations and that they are Lesotho nationals. However, police are not yet sure if they are the culprits. An unlicensed firearm was found, and the investigation will determine the next steps.”
Kunene also warned against speculation about the involvement of taxi associations or rival bus operators, stating that no evidence currently links any specific group to the attacks.
Why Were Rea Vaya Buses Suspended on Tuesday?
Kunene explained that the decision to suspend bus services on Tuesday was made out of concern for the safety of both drivers and passengers.
✔ Many drivers were traumatized by the killings, making it unsafe for them to operate buses immediately.
✔ The safety of commuters could not be guaranteed without proper security measures in place.
✔ Authorities needed time to assess the situation and finalize an action plan.
“We didn’t want to put drivers on the road while they were still in shock, or expose commuters to any more risks. Now that security has been reinforced, services will resume on Wednesday,” Kunene stated.
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