A long-distance passenger bus travelling from Mthatha to Cape Town came under a hail of bullets on Wednesday afternoon, leaving one woman dead and two people injured in a shocking attack along the R61 between Cofimvaba and Ngcobo. The ambush, which occurred at around 4pm, has sparked outrage from government officials and renewed concerns about escalating violence within the long-distance transport industry.
According to authorities, the Makalala Trans bus was travelling its usual route when unknown gunmen opened fire without warning. The vehicle was struck multiple times, forcing the driver to slow down as passengers ducked for cover. Among the injured is the co-driver, who, along with another survivor, was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment. The identity of the deceased woman has not been publicly released as her family is being notified.
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport strongly condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate and brutal act meant to cause maximum harm. Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha described the ambush as “senseless, barbaric, and completely unacceptable,” emphasising that such violence has no place in public transport or within local communities. He warned that incidents like these threaten not only the safety of passengers but also the stability and sustainability of the long-distance travel sector.
“We cannot allow such acts of violence to go unpunished,” Nqatha said. “Those behind this heinous attack must be brought to justice. The safety of our people and our transport system cannot be compromised.”
The MEC also raised concerns that the shooting may be linked to ongoing rivalry within the transport industry, including disputes over routes, competition for passengers, and long-standing tensions between operators. He noted that these challenges often escalate during high-demand travel seasons, increasing risks for both drivers and commuters.
Nqatha urged law enforcement agencies to intensify their investigation and follow every available lead. He appealed to community members to come forward with information, emphasising that collective cooperation is essential in identifying the perpetrators. “The right of every citizen to use transport of their choice must be respected and protected,” he said. “Violence and intimidation have no place on our roads.”
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and wished the injured individuals a full and speedy recovery. The department assured the public that every effort is being made to uncover the motive behind the attack and restore confidence in long-distance travel.
Authorities are calling for calm while investigations continue and have urged all transport operators to prioritise safety measures. Meanwhile, travellers using long-distance routes are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
As police continue their search for the gunmen, the incident has once again highlighted the need for stronger safety interventions within South Africa’s public transport sector, particularly during peak travel periods.
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