Golden Arrow Bus
Services (GABS) commuters will soon feel a little safer as talks between GABS and the City of Cape Town regarding passenger safety are moving swiftly along.
This after a spate of robberies in recent months in which commuters and drivers were robbed of their belongings and assaulted.
One person was also shot and killed after he refused to hand over his belongings to suspects in Lingelethu West two weeks ago.
Talks of safety officers being placed on buses are in progress, confirmed the Executive Director for Safety and Security, Richard Bosman, but did not want to divulge any information.
“The City of Cape Town is currently in discussion with Golden Arrow and can therefore not give detail on logistical arrangements,” said Bosman.
“Once an agreement is finalised the City will
communicate accordingly. The presence of Law
Enforcement officers certainly provides visibility and serves as a deterrent for criminals.
“Given the successful arrests and crime prevention from the Rail Enforcement Unit by the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Department, a partnership between the City of Cape Town and GABS is a step in the right direction to
effectively deal with criminal behavior.
“However, crime prevention still remains the core function of the South African Police.”
Last week, police arrested seven suspects between the ages of 19 and 33 in Lingelethu West, Philippi East and
Khayelitsha in connection with the bus robberies.
Some suspects were found with stolen possessions.
The suspects are expected to apply for bail on Thursday in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court.
Golden Arrow did not respond to inquiries.