Four suspects have been arrested in connection with recent bus robberies, according to Golden Arrow Bus Services. Meanwhile, law enforcement’s efforts have already led to three recent convictions for similar offences.
Also read: Video: Brazen gunmen rob passengers aboard a Golden Arrow bus
“While these arrests are welcomed, we need to look at ways to prevent crime affecting bus services altogether. This requires a co-ordinated approach involving multiple role-players,” said Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. “Some long-distance bus services are also being targeted by criminals and this is intolerable.”
“As the Western Cape Government, we will continue to invest – along with our partners – in measures to protect bus commuters and drivers.”
Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, added that his portfolio was also committed to making public transport as safe as possible.
“We’ve seen an increase in attacks on buses, not only during incidents of unrest, but also robberies,” he said.
“Through the deployment of our resources and a close working relationship with other role-players, the City has helped to safeguard the bus service. We remain committed to doing everything possible to safeguard the thousands of commuters who rely on the service daily,” Smith added.
According to IOL, Golden Arrow’s general manager, Derick Meyer, said that the bus company operated in some of the most crime-stricken areas in the Metropole.
“We therefore believe that it is very important not to label these criminal acts as a Golden Arrow issue. These individuals and syndicates terrorise entire communities and must face the full might of the law.”
“We are grateful to all role-players who have worked tirelessly to take these criminals off our streets. While we believe that more resources are urgently needed to address the scourge of crime, we recognise that there are many dedicated officials who deserve the highest praise for their commitment to making Cape Town safe for all of us,” Meyer said.
Meanwhile, Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile said that police in the province were focused on catching “these brazen perpetrators”.
“To ensure the safety of commuters, SAPS in the Western Cape has prioritised the transport industry, with frequent and focused operations being conducted throughout the province to quell the violence on local and long-distance routes and bring to book those responsible for these ruthless attacks.”
“Inroads are being made by our investigation team as indicated by recent arrests and convictions in this regard, and we will maintain our strong stance and presence in partnership with other role-players so that we can break the back of criminality threatening the safety and security of the public transport system in this province,” said the provincial commissioner.
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