29 June 2000
The Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar, has condemned in the strongest terms the latest shootings at busses which has resulted in injuries to the driver and seven other persons. The shootings indicate that there is a sinister force at work - whether it be at the instance of one or other of the interested parties or not.
Suppression of violence and the imposition of law and order is absolutely paramount. Minister Omar congratulates the Police on the arrest of a number of persons. All those involved in violence must be arrested and prosecuted. The law must deal severely with those who are found guilty of having committed acts of violence.
Everyone should know that no agreements will be concluded at the point of a gun or under threats of violence or intimidation. Commuters have the right to choose their mode of transport and all operators who hold valid authorisation have the right to operate in terms of their authorisation. The duty of everyone including our law enforcement authorities is to ensure that those rights are respected and enforced.
Minister Omar has again spoken to Minister Steve Tshwete, Minister of Safety and Security, who has indicated that a large number of additional personnel have been seconded to the Western Cape and made available. This is despite the contention of the Western Cape Government that National Government has not made additional personnel available. Minister Omar has requested Minister Tshwete to look into the matter as one of urgency and to ensure that there is co-operation between the Western Cape Government and National Government, especially at the level of law enforcement.
Minister Omar deplores the way in which parties seem to pass the buck from one level of Government to the other.
Issued by: Mr Mike Mabasa
083 680 7048