Long-haul bus operator Intercape has reopened its routes and bus stops in areas of the Eastern Cape it said it had been unable to operate in because of violence and vigilantism against its buses. Intercape announced on social media this week that it was reopening its popular stops at Tsomo, Cofimvaba, Engcobo, Butterworth and Dutywa with immediate effect.
The bottom line here is that the police are not doing their job because they are either incompetent or their hands are tied: Intercape CEO Johann Ferreira.
Last year, the company approached the Grahamstown High Court to force government to implement a plan of action to protect long-distance bus drivers and passengers.
Intercape buses will be returning to five “no-go” areas in the Eastern Cape on the back of a safety plan intended to keep drivers and passengers safe from attacks.
The high court in Makhanda this week dismissed Mbalula s application for leave to appeal an order compelling him to implement an action plan to deal with long-distance bus attacks.