Ngcobo bus attacks: Taxi bosses cry foul over bus safety ruling

KUGOMPO CITY – Bus drivers in Ngcobo are living in fear as routine operations increasingly become dangerous, with sporadic attacks allegedly linked to tensions with the local taxi industry.

For years, the R61 between Cofimvaba and Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape has been regarded as a no-go zone for long-distance bus operators.

Now, one of the country’s major bus companies, Intercape, is hoping to change that.

The company says its buses operating between Cape Town, Ngcobo and other provinces should be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at designated areas, provided they have valid operating permits.

Intercape CEO Johann Ferreira says the company has taken additional measures to protect passengers and drivers.

“If you travel with Intercape between Cape Town and Ngcobo, or to other provinces, you can only board and alight at the police station, in the marked bays kept open for our coaches.”

Ferreira says the company’s position is supported by the law and previous court rulings.

The dispute is rooted in a long-running feud between the taxi industry and long-distance bus operators in the area.

While there have been attempts to ease tensions, the conflict remains a point of contention.

The Eastern Cape High Court in Mthatha has ordered the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality to put safety measures in place to protect bus drivers.

READ | Intercape details ‘culture of violence’ against transport company

But the ruling has not been welcomed by taxi operators, who argue that their industry is being unfairly portrayed.

Local taxi boss Luthando Thupha says they do not oppose Intercape operating in the area, but want what he describes as fairness.

“We are not saying that we don’t want Intercape, but all we want is fairness. They claim that they fear being killed; we are not capable of that, as we don’t see any motive for killing them.”

Thupha says tensions escalated after Intercape began operating its buses on roads traditionally used by the taxi industry.

But local authorities reject the suggestion that they are powerless to deal with conflict or illegal activity.

Dr AB Xuma Mayor Siyabulela Zangqa says disagreements must be dealt with through lawful channels.

Authorities say they will continue working to improve relations between the taxi and bus industries.

Read more: Intercape main complainant in bus ‘protection racket’ case