Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, has welcomed the arrest of seven suspects across three provinces as part of a major breakthrough in the fight against organised criminal activities that have plagued the long-distance bus industry.
The coordinated take-down operation, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape and supported by multiple specialised units, marks a significant milestone following an extensive four-year investigation into alleged intimidation, extortion, and interference within the sector. Premier Mabuyane noted that these developments follow years of uncertainty and disruption within the long-distance transport industry, particularly affecting routes linked to the Eastern Cape.
Criminal elements have, for too long, sought to undermine lawful business operations, frustrate free enterprise, and exploit both operators and commuters through acts of violence, coercion, and financial extortion.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government unequivocally welcomes these arrests as a decisive step towards restoring order, dignity, and the rule of law within the public transport sector. The criminality that has infiltrated the long-distance bus industry will not be tolerated, said Premier Mabuyane.
The Premier emphasised that the reported acts of intimidation and extortion not only threatened the sustainability of legitimate businesses but also placed an unfair financial burden on ordinary citizens who rely on long distance bus services for affordable and safe travel.
These acts are not only criminal in nature, but they are anti-developmental. They undermine economic growth, threaten jobs, and directly impact the livelihoods of our people. We commend the meticulous and sustained efforts of law enforcement agencies who have worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to book, added the Premier.
The suspects, arrested in Cape Town, Matatiele and Nelspruit, are expected to face a range of serious charges, including extortion, money laundering, intimidation, and contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). Premier Mabuyane further reaffirmed the Provincial Government s commitment to working collaboratively with national law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the transport sector.
We will continue to strengthen intergovernmental coordination to ensure that criminal networks are dismantled, and that our transport systems operate in a safe, fair, and regulated environment. There is no space in our province for those who seek to profit through lawlessness and fear, said Premier Mabuyane.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government reiterates its position of zero tolerance towards organised crime and calls on all affected stakeholders to continue cooperating with law enforcement authorities.