Driver injured, more than 190 lose property in early morning bus robberies

Police have not arrested anyone yet after armed robbers attacked about 195 vulnerable bus commuters and shot a bus driver this week in the north of Pretoria.

The attacks occurred on Monday when three Putco buses were stormed after leaving the Soshanguve depot. In all three incidents, passengers lost their belongings, including cellphones.

Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said the incidents, which resulted in robbers discharging their firearms, took place at dawn on July 24.

“A group of armed assailants targeted three Putco buses from the Soshanguve depot between 04:00 and 05:00 on Monday.”

He said the incidents took place in Soshanguve Block R.

He said it was alleged that a group of armed criminals disguised themselves as passengers and accessed the buses at various bus stops.

“Upon entry, the suspects fired shots to intimidate passengers and the driver before robbing them of their belongings, including phones. None of the passengers sustained injuries during all three incidents.

“Putco is relieved that there were no injuries or fatalities on passengers.”

Xulu said Putco could not manage to quantify the number of passengers affected “because it was difficult to do so, given that commuters proceeded with the bus to the police station after the incident”.

“Others found alternative ways to go to their places of employment, however, one could make their deductions from the fact that the buses were almost full and one bus carries 65 passengers.

“One of our bus drivers sustained a gunshot wound to the hand.”

Xulu said Putco reported all three incidents to the Rietgat police station and would assist to obtain the cooperation of clients with the investigation.

“The motive for the crimes is unknown at this stage.

“Due to the similarities in the violent nature of the crimes and the fact that three buses were robbed on the same morning, we cannot conclude that this is an isolated incident,” he said.

“We call on law enforcement agencies to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators of these robberies to book. Putco would also like to appeal to witnesses and anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist the police.”

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said a case of attempted murder and armed robbery had been registered with the police following the incidents.

“An investigation is underway and no arrests have been made yet.”

Home Affairs Menlyn reports high number of uncollected IDs

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram