Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
27 June 2024 | 14:00 CAT
2 min read

A 40-year-old bank employee was shot and killed while boarding a Metrobus in Fleurhof, Roodepoort, on Wednesday morning. The woman tried to escape but was shot twice by an alleged hitman who had boarded the bus earlier.

In an interview with Radio Islam, Councillor Tyrell Meyers stated that, based on reports, the incident appears to be a well-orchestrated hit.

Johannesburg District Police Commissioner, Maj-Gen Max Masha, confirmed that the incident was not transport-related but rather a targeted attack. Police believe the woman was the gunman’s sole target, as he appeared to know her routine and that she boarded the bus there; he specifically aimed at her, showing no interest in harming anyone else.

“The passenger did try to escape, but the suspect followed the passenger around the bus, before getting into a getaway vehicle with no license plate,” said Meyers.

According to Meyers, there are a lot of stories in the media, but they do not have the complete details at this time.

Witnesses described the shooter as a man dressed in a cream top and hat. The gunman targeted only the woman and fled the scene in a white Volkswagen Polo sedan without license plates.

He urges the MEC for Transport to take more action to ensure Metrobus safety. “We spent a million on security and surveillance. There are concerns about what is being done. How do we stop people from carrying weapons onto the bus?” he questioned.

Meyers mentioned that some eyewitnesses reported seeing the suspect cocking his pistol on the bus, though this account remains unconfirmed.

According to Metrobus acting MD Bongani Radebe: “The shooter was in the bus, a seat away from where the bus operator sits. He cocked a gun, fired two shots. There were three passengers about to board the bus: two women, and one man. The deceased and the other woman ran away around the bus. They fell, and one of them was shot twice. She was certified dead on the scene.”

Metrobus will offer counseling to some passengers on the bus as well as to the bus driver.

Meyers advocates that improving monitoring and surveillance should be a priority for the city. “We must push for the automated fare collection system, it’s important for Metrobus to know its customer base,” he said.

He hopes this incident will initiate changes.

A manhunt is currently underway.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Habib Bobat and Councillor Tyrell Meyers, here.