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Rea Vaya Services Return to Soweto After Tragic Shootings, R100K Reward Offered for Justice
Rea Vaya bus services in Soweto, Gauteng, resumed operations on Thursday morning following a two-day suspension caused by the tragic fatal shootings of two bus drivers earlier this week. The drivers were killed in separate incidents, leading to the immediate suspension of services, which stranded many passengers and left them scrambling for alternative transportation.
The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Transport confirmed that Rea Vaya bus services were back in operation as of Thursday, February 6, 2025. Virgil James, the City’s communication specialist, stated that the resumption followed the implementation of a detailed safety and security plan received from the Safety and Security Forum (SSF). This plan includes the escort of Rea Vaya buses and passengers along their routes to ensure safety during the remainder of their journeys.
James also called upon all key transport stakeholders to support efforts aimed at preventing violence, vandalism, and attacks on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure, which had previously led to the suspension of services, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
“These disruptions have a severe impact on commuters and the broader community. We must act swiftly and collectively to ensure that incidents like these do not occur again,” James emphasized.
In addition to the resumption of services, City of Johannesburg MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene, offered a R100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible for the shootings. Kunene expressed his shock and outrage over the killings, which he described as a “barbaric” act and a direct attack on both the government and the people of Soweto.
“The brutal murder of two drivers is a devastating loss for their families, the community, and the entire Rea Vaya team,” Kunene said. “These deaths have left women widowed and children orphaned. The trauma caused by these acts of violence cannot be overstated.”
Kunene called on the public to assist the police in identifying those responsible. He also confirmed that the R100,000 reward would come from his personal funds, not from the City or Department of Transport.
“This is my commitment to ensuring that justice is served. Once the police have confirmed the evidence linking any arrested suspects to this crime, the reward will be available to those who assisted,” Kunene added.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police have launched an investigation into the killings, and authorities are actively pursuing leads to bring those responsible to justice.
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