Key Points:Â
- The bus driver died after being shot in the arm and abdomen during a robbery.
- Four suspects posed as passengers and robbed about 20 commuters.
- Police are still searching for the armed suspects who fled the scene.
Incident Overview
BUFFELSDRAAI, South Africa — A KZN bus driver shot during an armed robbery on Monday in Buffelsdraai has died in hospital, paramedics confirmed.
The shooting occurred while the MAN Diesel bus was moving along Buffelsdraai Road. According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) spokesperson Prem Balram, four suspects boarded the bus pretending to be regular passengers. Suddenly, they drew firearms and opened fire.
Driver Critically Wounded in Attack
The gunmen struck the driver in both the arm and abdomen. As a result, he lost control of the steering wheel. The bus veered off the road and crashed into thick roadside vegetation.
A passing motorist saw the scene and stopped to help. The motorist transported the wounded driver to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, the driver died shortly after arriving at the facility.
Suspects Rob Passengers and Flee
After shooting the driver, the suspects robbed about 20 passengers. They took cash, cellphones, and other valuables before fleeing the scene on foot.
RUSA officers quickly launched a search operation in the surrounding area. However, they could not find or arrest the suspects.
The KZN bus driver shot incident has reignited public concern over safety in public transport. Many commuters in the province already feel unsafe due to recent similar incidents.
At the time of publication, KwaZulu-Natal police had not issued an official statement. However, authorities continue to monitor the case.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have urged residents with any information to come forward immediately. They believe public cooperation could help in locating the perpetrators.
Investigators are still gathering details to piece together the sequence of events. More updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
