Two people were killed and several others injured in a violent armed robbery on a Delta bus travelling from South Africa to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The attack took place late Wednesday night along the N1 highway in Limpopo, just after the fourth tollgate.
According to eyewitnesses, the bus was carrying dozens of passengers heading home for the weekend when a group of heavily armed men ambushed the vehicle. The suspects reportedly blocked the road with a small truck before forcing the driver to stop. Once the bus halted, the attackers stormed inside, firing shots and demanding money, cellphones, and other valuables.
Panic erupted as passengers tried to hide their belongings or shield loved ones from the gunfire. Witnesses described the ordeal as terrifying and chaotic, saying the robbers appeared to be well-organized and acted quickly.
“They just opened fire without warning,” said one shaken survivor. “People were screaming and ducking under the seats. It felt like it would never end.”
Police confirmed that two passengers died at the scene from gunshot wounds. Several others sustained injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to cuts and bruises while attempting to flee the bus. Emergency services rushed the injured to a nearby hospital, where some remain in critical condition.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a manhunt has been launched for the suspects. “We have deployed a specialized task team to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime. No arrests have been made yet, but investigations are at an advanced stage,” he said.
Authorities are also working closely with cross-border transport operators to improve passenger safety, particularly on long-distance routes connecting South Africa and Zimbabwe. The N1 corridor has long been known as a high-risk area for armed robberies, with multiple incidents reported in recent years.
The Delta Bus Company expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and pledging full cooperation with law enforcement. “We are devastated by this senseless act of violence. The safety of our passengers is our highest priority, and we are working closely with authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” the company said in a statement.
Community members and civic organizations have renewed calls for stronger police visibility on major highways, saying the frequency of such attacks has left travelers living in fear. “This is not the first time criminals have targeted buses and travelers. We need urgent action to protect innocent people,” said a local community leader.
As police intensify their search, families of the victims are left mourning their loved ones, while survivors grapple with the trauma of what they witnessed. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the growing danger on South Africa’s highways, where criminal syndicates continue to target travelers despite ongoing security efforts.
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the robbery to come forward and assist in the investigation.
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