The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly condemned the brutal and senseless killings of two Rea Vaya bus drivers in separate incidents in Mapetla and Protea Glen, Soweto.

The party describes these tragic deaths, which occurred on Monday, as an unacceptable escalation of violence and a direct attack on the safety of public transport workers serving communities.

EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Tambo, in a statement, expressed the party's condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed the EFF's commitment to ensuring the safety of all South Africans, particularly those in the public transport sector.

"These deaths reflect a disturbing pattern of escalating violence that must be urgently addressed," Tambo said.

The killings of the Rea Vaya bus drivers are the latest in a series of violent incidents in the transport sector. The introduction of the 45-seater Rea Vaya feeder buses in Soweto, designed to improve accessibility and offer affordable transportation, has sparked tensions within the local transport and taxi industry.

Although these feeder routes aim to enhance connectivity for commuters, some transport stakeholders have raised concerns, which led to disruptions and the temporary suspension of services in November 2024, as previously reported by IOL. The routes were later restored, but tensions remain.

Tambo highlighted that while the EFF respects the right of stakeholders to express concerns, the party unequivocally rejects violence as a way to resolve disputes.

"The recent killings are a tragic reflection of deepening tensions and a violent escalation that must not continue," he said.

The problem of violence against transport workers is not isolated to Gauteng. Just last week, 50 Putco buses were set ablaze at the Nkangala Depot in Mpumalanga, and on the previous day, nine buses were torched in Moretele, in North West. These acts of destruction are part of a troubling pattern aimed at undermining the public transport sector and destabilising communities that rely on these essential services, the party said.

The EFF has called for immediate intervention from the MEC of Transport to address the growing tensions within the Gauteng transport sector.

Additionally, the party is urging the Minister of Transport to launch a national investigation into the rising violence.

"This situation cannot be allowed to deteriorate further. It is essential that both government and transport stakeholders collaborate to find peaceful solutions that prioritise the safety of workers and commuters alike," Tambo said.

The party also called for the restoration of the Rea Vaya services, which have already caused significant disruption to thousands of daily commuters.

"We call for de-escalation, dialogue, and the protection of human life, and for those responsible for these killings to face the full consequences of the law," Tambo said.

IOL Politics

#putco

EFF demands immediate action as violence against public transport workers escalates

Two men arrested for arson attack of 51 Putco buses in Mpumalanga

'Economic sabotage': Transport committee condemns 50 Putco buses torched in Mpumalanga arson attack