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The DA in the Western Cape welcomes the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect who has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the attacks on long-distance bus operator, Intercape. I commend SAPS for the arrest of the alleged attacker, who is scheduled to appear before the Bishop Lavis Magistrates Court today.

The arrests must not stop here, however, as much more still has to be done to apprehend more of those responsible for the assault on Intercape drivers, passengers and property. Extortion and violence in the long-distance transport industry has become an all too common phenomenon and the criminals behind these heinous attacks must be brought to book.

Earlier this month, the Western Cape Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Transport convened all the relevant role players in the long-distance transport industry. The following recommendations were among those made by the DA during the meeting to address this crisis:

SANTACO must immediately put in writing to all its taxi operation partners to request that they stop attacks on buses if they are involved;

Minister Mbalula should appear before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport to present his department’s plan of action to combat the violence;

Cases that have allegedly been mishandled by SAPS must be referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate for further investigation; and

The Department of Justice should appear before Parliament’s Justice Portfolio Committee and explain the lack of prosecutions and what is hampering prosecutions.

I hope that justice will prevail and that the National Prosecuting Authority will make absolutely sure that this matter is handled firmly and decisively. All those who committed these heinous offences must bear full responsibility for their conduct and be subjected to the full might of the law.

Issued by Ricardo Mackenzie, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Transport