Long-distance bus company Intercape has once again raised alarm over a persistent and violent campaign of criminal attacks targeting its operations—allegedly driven by organized mafia-style syndicates—and has criticized the South African Police Service (SAPS) and government departments for their inaction over the years.
Intercape, a key player in South Africa’s intercity transport sector, has been the victim of coordinated attacks for several years, particularly in the Eastern and Western Cape. Despite repeated pleas and multiple legal victories that compelled authorities to take action, the company claims that there has been little tangible response from law enforcement.
Years of Violence and Government Inaction
Speaking before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police on 14 May, Intercape representatives detailed the extent of the threats their drivers and passengers have faced. These include shootings, rock attacks, intimidation, and even a fatality. In total, Intercape has documented over 200 separate incidents, including:
- 1 fatality
- 32 attempted murders by firearm
- 46 rock-throwing incidents
- 103 threats and acts of intimidation against drivers
- 15 incidents targeting the company’s offices
Despite these alarming numbers, the company states it is unaware of a single case that has led to a successful arrest or conviction. This ongoing lack of action has led Intercape to accuse the SAPS of willful neglect.
“We are facing an untenable situation,” said Intercape CEO Johann Ferreira. “The government is in contempt of court with respect to its duty to ensure the safety and security of South Africa’s travelling public.”
Legal Victories Met with Bureaucratic Excuses
Intercape has won eight court cases against various state entities, including the ministers of police and transport, and elite investigative units like the Hawks. These court rulings mandated protective measures, including the development of long-term safety plans and immediate interventions such as police escorts in high-risk areas.
However, Ferreira told Parliament that none of these directives have been adequately implemented. Instead, SAPS has allegedly justified its lack of response by citing administrative errors—such as incorrect forms submitted by the bus company—and a lack of resources to meet court-ordered obligations.
The company added that it has already gathered and submitted comprehensive evidence, including photographic and video proof of the attackers and the methods used, but claimed that SAPS communication has been “virtually non-existent.”
SAPS Claims Arrests, Intercape Surprised
In response, SAPS presented to Parliament that 11 individuals connected to the attacks have been arrested—a development that came as a surprise to Intercape, which said it had not previously been informed of any such arrests.
SAPS further acknowledged the burden of maintaining visible policing and providing escorts along dangerous routes, saying the court orders have strained already limited resources. Still, it committed to finding an “amicable solution” while balancing its broader constitutional mandate.
Escalating Costs and Route Suspensions
Intercape highlighted the financial and operational toll the violence has taken. The company says it has spent approximately R3 million on private security services, in addition to bearing the cost of medical treatment for injured passengers and repairs to damaged vehicles.
Furthermore, the group estimates that service disruptions caused by the attacks have led to revenue losses of around R30 million. Due to safety concerns, the company has also suspended operations on certain routes, further impacting its business and the communities that depend on its services.
Discrepancies in Case Reporting
A significant gap also exists between Intercape’s records and those of SAPS. While the bus operator has documented over 200 incidents, the police have only 76 on file. Of those, 8 cases were withdrawn, 33 were closed due to lack of evidence, and only 3 are currently before the courts.
This discrepancy, Intercape says, underscores the systemic failure to take the issue seriously.
Continuing the Legal Fight
Given the continued lack of progress, Intercape announced plans to initiate new legal proceedings against the state for contempt of court. The company insists that the government is legally bound to act and that further inaction puts the safety of South Africa’s long-distance travellers at risk.
As tensions escalate, the Intercape case highlights a broader issue of organized crime and impunity in the country’s public transport sector—raising urgent questions about the capacity and willingness of state institutions to protect businesses and commuters from mafia-style criminal threats.
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