A Golden Arrow passenger has been killed by armed skelms on a bus last week.
Golden Arrow Bus Services has now warned their drivers to be extra vigilant when driving in and around Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain following a spate of robberies on buses in recent times.
According to Gabs spokesperson, John Dammert, armed robbers have struck 20 times over the past eight months in these areas.
Last Wednesday, robbers struck twice in Lingelethu West alone, killing a passenger.
“Around 11am, the bus driver was coming out of Khayelitsha when four men boarded the bus as paying customers,” said Dammert.
“But during the trip they took out their weapons and first robbed the driver of his takings, and then proceeded to rob the 10 passengers of their valuables. One of the passengers resisted and was shot in the chest.
“The robbers disembarked and the traumatised driver rushed to the Khayelitsha Day Hospital. Unfortunately the wounded passenger succumbed to his injuries.
“The driver is receiving counselling. The modus operandi in all the 20 cases was the same. We are also appealing to passengers to alert the authorities when they notice any suspicious activities on the route,” he added.
Police spokesperson, Andrè Traut, said a murder docket had been opened, but the suspects are at large.
Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, confirmed that they had been approached by Gabs to assist with security, reports the Cape Argus.
“The City is prepared to avail officers to patrol the area, but Golden Arrow has to financially come on board and play their part.”