Intercape’s attorney Jac Marais said that attacks on their buses started in 2019 and involved incidents of stoning, intimidation, assault, attempted murder and extortion.Standing Committee on Transport in the Western Cape Legislature on Friday, 5 August. The purpose of the session was to get a sense of the attacks on the long-distance coach industry. The Department of Public Works , Intercape, SAPS, Prasa andThe briefing follows a spate of attacks on Intercape drivers.
Attacks are becoming more violent, sophisticated and organised, with increased use of vehicles in attacks. In the 30 June attack, perpetrators used a Hilux bakkie. One immediate step to stop attacks at Intercape depots that he suggested, is to place practical steps on the way forward, including cameras on the bridge near Intercape depots, and investigating as crimes under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Ferreira also pointed out that Intercape is a private company operating legally with all the necessary permits, but still they have been subjected to “a concerted campaign of violence at the hand of rogue taxi associations” who are intent on “forcing coach operators out of certain regions and from key routes”.
He explained that incidents involving Golden Arrow Bus Services indicate that the nature of crime incidents are ever-changing and adapting. Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile described the crimes reported on the attacks of buses, taxis and trains, including murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property, hijacking of vehicles with the intent to extort the driver, and demanding R1,500 as penalties to non-permit holders and extortion.