Rea Vaya has resumed operations for buses in Soweto, Gauteng, following a fatal shooting that claimed two lives of bus drivers.
Image: Matthews Baloyi Independent Newspapers
The Rea Vaya bus services resumed operations in Soweto, Gauteng, on Thursday morning after a two-day suspension following the fatal shooting of two bus drivers.
The drivers were killed in two separate incidents in the area earlier this week, leading to the immediate suspension of bus services in the area.
This led to affecting passengers who were using the buses being stranded, forcing them to find alternate transportation.
The City of Johannesburg's Department of Transport has confirmed the resumption of Rea Vaya bus services on Thursday, 6 February.
Virgil James, the City’s communication specialist, said on Wednesday, the City received a detailed safety and security plan from the Safety and Security Forum (SSF), outlining the escort of Rea Vaya buses and passengers along the bus routes from the depots to final destinations and back.
“The city also calls upon all key transport stakeholders to support initiatives to prevent violence, vandalism and any kind of attacks on BRT infrastructure that causes suspension of services and leaves thousands of commuters stranded,” James said.
James added internal discussions between Transport management and staff including bus operating companies (PIOTRANS and LITSAMAISO) were held to outline the security measures and ensure safety of the staff.
Kenny Kunene is offering a reward of R100,000 for information regarding Monday night's shooting that claimed the lives of two Rea Vaya bus drivers.
Image: Facebook
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, IOL News reported that City of Johannesburg MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene has offered a R100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the murders of two Rea Vaya drivers in Soweto.
Kunene expressed shock and outrage over the killings, calling the act barbaric and a declaration of war on the government and the people of Soweto.
He extended his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues, emphasising the emotional toll on the community.
“Women are now widows, children are orphans. Fathers, brothers, grandfathers have been taken away from their families,” he said.
“I pray and plead with you to assist the police in finding these barbarians who have killed our people, who caused trauma throughout Soweto and throughout the Ria Vaya community.”
While Gauteng police have launched an investigation, Kunene appealed for public assistance, and committed a personal reward of R100,000 for anyone who helps with the arrest of the suspects.
He said the reward would be paid from his own pocket, not from the City or Department of Transport.
”It is the money that I am committing as Kenny Kunene to show the commitment that I have in making sure that these barbarians are brought to book, I will not wait for the case to be finalised.
“Once the police have confirmed that indeed they have evidence linking those that have been arrested to this barbaric act, I will make R100,000 available to whoever assisted the police,” Kunene added.
IOL News