Intercape appeals to Parliament over escalating violence against its operations
An Intercape driver rammed into barriers after he was shot on Jakes Gerwel Drive.
Image: File
Long-distance bus operator, Intercape, has made a desperate appeal to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police, citing a complete breakdown in law enforcement response to ongoing violence and intimidation against its operations.
The company appeared before the committee on Wednesday, where it laid out in detail how despite securing nine court orders against various arms of government, no meaningful action has been taken to protect its passengers and staff.
Intercape CEO, Johann Ferreira, told the committee that over 200 criminal cases had been opened with police since 2015, including charges of murder, attempted murder, intimidation, and extortion.
Despite extensive evidence, including video footage, witness statements, and the registration numbers of vehicles linked to taxi associations, Ferreira said not a single suspect had been prosecuted.
The attacks, he said, include petrol bombings, shootings, ambushes, and in one case, the murder of an Intercape driver.
In an unexpected turn during the committee meeting, senior police officials said that 11 arrests had allegedly been made in connection with the attacks, information that had never been shared with the company or submitted to the courts as required by law.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC, representing Intercape, described this development as "deeply troubling", noting that SAPS had failed to comply with court orders requiring them to update both the court and Intercape on the progress of investigations.
Ferreira accused the Ministers of Police and Transport, their provincial counterparts, and police commissioners of openly defying multiple high court orders.
The financial impact has also been severe, as Intercape said it had paid more than R420 000 in medical bills for injured passengers; lost over R30 million in revenue after suspending services in parts of the Eastern Cape; spent over R5 million on coach repairs; and incurred R3 million in private security costs.
Ferreira said the broader implications of the government's inaction go beyond Intercape, as safe and affordable public transport options continue to disappear in areas dominated by violent extortion.
Chairperson of the portfolio committee, Ian Cameron, described the presentation as 'shocking' and said hundreds of attacks had been documented, including more than 170 incidents involving Intercape and over 100 arson attacks on Golden Arrow buses in just the past 18 months.
He said none of these had led to successful prosecutions.
Cameron added that some SAPS members reportedly demanded protection fees from bus companies, effectively becoming part of the extortion network.
"Even worse, there are credible reports that some SAPS members are demanding 'protection fees' themselves, effectively turning police officers into extortionists.
"While SAPS and the Hawks debate over whose 'mandate' this is, organised crime syndicates operate freely. Bus operators are forced into 'no-go zones'. Ordinary South Africans lose safe, affordable transport. Businesses bleed millions."
He said the committee would begin a formal process of scrutinising the specific cases raised, with further feedback to follow.
Ferreira warned Intercape will soon bring new contempt of court proceedings against the state.
Cape Argus
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Cops on the run! Hundreds of police officers to tackle tomorrow's Comrades Marathon
A cop chase of a different kind is expected tomorrow when 437 SAPS members pursue their personal bests in the 98th Comrades Marathon, highlighting not only athletic endurance but also the organisation's commitment to health, wellness and resilience. The group includes 66 female and 371 male officers from across all nine provinces. Their participation marks a notable increase from the 356 officers who competed in 2024, reflecting a growing culture of fitness within SAPS ranks. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has thrown his support behind the participants, commending their dedication and reinforcing SAPS's focus on human capital development through wellness initiatives. 'Their involvement underscores the values of perseverance, unity and discipline that define both the SAPS and the spirit of the Comrades Marathon,' says Masemola. The 89km 'down run' from Pietermaritzburg to Durban will see over 22 000 runners take part, with SAPS runners proudly flying the organisation's flag as ambassadors of health and community engagement. Combining science, service and sport to serve the community Constable Anna Mapheto (26), stationed at SAPS Lephalale in Limpopo, serves at the Community Service Centre — the first point of contact for the public. She plays a vital role in handling complaints, opening case dockets and responding to emergencies, while also supporting crime victims and fostering trust within the community. Mapheto began her policing career after being appointed on October 3, 2022. She completed her training at SAPS Academy in Umtata and was placed as a student constable at SAPS Polokwane before being permanently stationed at Lephalale on January 3, 2024. In addition to her law enforcement duties, Mapheto holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Life Sciences from the University of Limpopo (2021) and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Sciences at the University of South Africa. She is passionate about using scientific methods to solve crimes and aspires to join the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratories. A dedicated long-distance runner, she competes for the SAPS Limpopo Marathon Club. She sees physical fitness as essential to mental strength and resilience in the demanding police environment. 'As a police official, with this physically demanding job and high-stress environment, running marathons keeps me physically and mentally fit to cope in the field of policing. I encourage my colleagues to stay active, as it boosts their health, relieves stress and strengthens both body and mind, thus helping to build healthier, safer and secure communities,' says Mapheto. In 2023, she placed second in both the Maroela Marathon's 10km women's open category and the SAPS national women's open 10km at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. She also completed the 42.2km marathon and participated in the 50km Ultra Marathon the same year. Inspired by service and resilience Seventy-two SAPS marathon runners from KZN will line up in Pietermaritzburg tomorrow, 14 of who will tackle the race for the first time. One of the first-time participants is Constable Lindanokuhle Sakhile Mdunge, a community service centre officer based at Ladysmith Police Station. Mdunge joined SAPS in 2022 after earning both a diploma and BTech in policing from the Tshwane University of Technology. He underwent intensive training at SAPS Academy Umthatha and now serves his community with commitment and compassion. Although new to the Comrades, the 31-year-old is no stranger to challenging long-distance races. He qualified for the Comrades with an impressive 3:10 finish at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. He also completed the demanding 52km Nquthu to Dundee Ultra Marathon, which gave him the confidence to push further. A personal highlight was completing the 72km Mpumalanga Cosmo 3 in1 Marathon — an achievement that propelled him towards the Comrades down run. Unlike many newcomers who idolise international runners, Mdunge finds his inspiration closer to home. He credits fellow police officer Constable Nqabayesizwe Zulu, stationed at SAPS Gauteng provincial headquarters, as his role model. 'He has been running the Comrades Marathon for over five years, and he is the one who motivated me. I am looking forward to the race, and running in the colours of my beloved organisation will encourage me not to give up. The race takes place in the month dedicated to the youth in South Africa, and as such I will do my best to show the tenacity of the youth in our country, the bravery of all young people in the SAPS, and show the world that police in South Africa are resilient,' says Mdunge. While some may approach their first Comrades with caution, Mdunge already has long-term goals. His sights are set on earning a green number — a recognition awarded to runners who complete 10 Comrades Marathons. For him, it's more than a race; it's the start of a dream come true.
IOL News
12 hours ago
- IOL News
DA demands answers after top crime boss vanishes amid R45 million property scandal
Major-General Philani Lushaba, the Chief Financial Officer of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence unit, has allegedly vanished just as authorities were preparing to question him about his involvement in financial misconduct linked to properties valued at over R45 million. According to the Democratic Alliance (DA) member of Parliament, Dianne Kohler Barnard, Lushaba failed to report for duty on the morning of 6 June. Barnard said the alleged disappearance comes just as the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Investigating Directorate sought to question him, reportedly over a multi-million Rand property scandal. At the heart of the scandal, are two high-value acquisitions: a luxury boutique hotel in Pretoria North, purchased for R22.7 million, and a commercial property in Berea, Durban, acquired for R22.8 million.
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
Bribe-taking NC police officer sentenced to six years
Ex-constable Johannes Shuping was sentenced to six years for soliciting bribes to tamper with a police docket. The Kuruman Regional Court in Northern Cape has sentenced a former police officer to six years' imprisonment for soliciting R10 000 to make a court docket disappear. Ex-constable Johannes Shuping was sentenced after the court convicted him on two counts of corruption from an incident that dates back to 2018. Shuping, then a detective at Kathu police station, re-arrested the complainant, Buti Moepadira, despite his case already being before the court. Former Saps officer jailed for corruption After Shuping arrested Moepadira, the accused offered to 'make the docket disappear' in exchange for R11 000. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the complainant was detained at the Kathu police station due to lack of accommodation in Kuruman. ALSO READ: Police sergeant abuses power, gets 20 years for raping victim inside police station While in detention, Shuping allowed Moepadira to use his cellphone to arrange the payment. 'A R6 000 cash payment was delivered to the accused by the complainant's brother. Shuping continued to demand the outstanding R5 000, prompting Moepadira to report the matter to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks),' Senokoatsane said. In response, the investigating officer launched a sting operation using marked banknotes, as permitted by Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act. Caught in Hawks sting after demanding R11k bribe During the operation, Moepadira's brother handed over the remaining R4 000 to the accused. Although the former officer fled the scene, police arrested him a week later at his workplace. 'At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of marked R200 notes, which matched the serial numbers recorded during the operation,' Senokoatsane said. ALSO READ: Bodies of three missing constables identified by families In aggravation of the sentence, Prosecutor Kagontle Redemption Barnett argued that Shuping had grossly abused his position of authority and violated the public trust. As a law enforcement official, he had a duty to uphold the law, but he chose to violate both the Constitution and his oath. A severe punishment will deter similar misconduct and help restore public confidence in the criminal justice system, Barnett emphasised. Six year direct imprisonment The Kuruman Regional Court agreed and sentenced Shuping to six years' direct imprisonment on each count. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective six-year prison term. The NPA welcomed the conviction and sentence. ALSO READ: Drunken argument over being called 'inkwenkwe' ends in cop getting 15 years for murder 'This outcome reaffirms that no one is above the law and underscores the importance of protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system by holding those who abuse their power accountable,' Senokoatsane said.
