Rea Vaya bus services have halted their operation after two bus drivers were shot dead in two separate incidents on Monday in Soweto.

The bus transit informed its passengers on Tuesday morning, February 4, that “buses are temporarily suspended until further notice due to shooting incidents in Soweto last night.”

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the incidents, adding that police are investigating a case of murder after a bus driver was shot and killed in Protea Glen.

“In the first incident, a bus driver was shot dead in Protea Glen. It is reported that the driver had stopped at a robot along Wild Chestnut Street when he was shot and killed by unknown suspects. The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage, and the police are following up on all the leads as the investigation continues.” 

“On the second incident at Tshithuthune Street, the eyewitness reported that he was the last passenger on the bus when he heard gunshots and took cover. After it got quiet, he realised that the driver was shot; he tried to drive the bus but crashed into a wall. The driver was declared dead on the scene and the passenger sustained no injuries,” added Colonel Nevhuhulwi.

The motive of both incidents remains unknown, with police investigations currently ongoing.