Rea Vaya, Johannesburg’s Bus Rapid Transit system, has halted all operations in Soweto following the shocking murders of two of its bus drivers in separate incidents on Monday night. The abrupt suspension was announced via the Rea Vaya Bus Transit account on X (formerly Twitter), leaving thousands of commuters scrambling for alternative transport.
“Rea Vaya passengers are advised that buses are temporarily suspended until further notice due to shooting incidents involving our drivers last night in Soweto. We encourage passengers to seek alternative public transport options. Updates on the situation will be provided regularly,” the statement read.
The first chilling incident occurred in Protea Glen, where a driver had paused at a traffic light along Wild Chestnut Street. It was there that unknown assailants opened fire, fatally wounding him. Just hours later, another driver met a similar fate in Mapetla, on Tshithuthune Street.
An eyewitness to the second shooting, who happened to be the last passenger on the bus, recounted the harrowing ordeal. Upon hearing gunshots, the passenger instinctively ducked for cover. Once the gunfire ceased, he realized the driver had been shot. In a desperate attempt to steer the bus to safety, the passenger took control of the wheel but crashed into a wall. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger miraculously escaped unharmed.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that murder investigations are underway. “In both incidents, the motive remains unknown at this stage, and police investigations continue,” Nevhuhulwi stated.
As Soweto reels from these tragic events, the suspension of Rea Vaya services leaves a significant gap in the daily commute for many residents. Authorities urge anyone with information about the shootings to come forward, as the community grapples with the unsettling violence targeting public transport workers.
For now, Soweto commuters must navigate the uncertainty, hoping for swift justice and the safe return of their vital transport lifeline.
