The DA strongly condemns this mornings’ horrific attack in Verulam, north of Durban, in which a bus driver was shot and passengers robbed by armed criminals.
According to reports, three gunmen, armed with 9mm pistols, boarded a public bus, robbed passengers at gunpoint, and opened fire – critically wounding the driver in the chest and abdomen. The DA extends its heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery and expresses solidarity with all victims of this terrifying ordeal.
This senseless act of violence, which endangered the lives of innocent civilians – including two newborn babies – is yet another reminder of the rampant crime that continues to threaten the safety of KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN’s) people. It also highlights the collapse of law enforcement in our province.
The DA calls on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Today’s incident also underscores the urgent need for enhanced police visibility, improved intelligence gathering, and a targeted crime prevention strategy, particularly in high-risk transport corridors.
Public transport workers and commuters must not be left at the mercy of criminals. The DA reiterates its call for:
• The deployment of specialised public transport safety units;
• The installation of surveillance and panic systems in public buses;
• Stronger coordination between provincial government, metro police, and private security and;
• Transparent updates on the progress of investigations in such violent crimes.
KZN’s people deserve to travel to work, school, and home without fear of violent attacks. The DA demands action, not excuses.