A woman who was shot and killed in the early hours of Wednesday morning while attempting to board a Metrobus to work in Fleurhof, Roodepoort, was a Nedbank employee.
This is according to City of Johannesburg transport MMC Kenny Kunene. He was speaking to members of the media at the scene of the fatal shooting.
The shooting happened while the Metrobus was travelling on Boabab Street in Fleurhof en route to Sandton.
A clear targeted hit on the victim
Kunene said the shooting of the 40-year-old female passenger occurred just before 6am. He added that it was “a clear hit and the lady was targeted”.
The MMC said the gunman boarded the Metrobus and was travelling in the bus before he shot the woman while she was trying to board the bus at the next stop.
He said the shooter had his face covered and wore a hat.
Kunene added that after shooting the woman, the gunman ran into a white Volkswagen Polo car that had no registration plates in the front, and drove away.
“It is a clear hit. The lady was targeted. She works at Nedbank. According to the driver and some of the passengers, the shooter got onto the bus at Fleurhof extension five. At bus station five.
Suspect boarded the bus at a prior bus station
“He was on the bus. Before the bus could reach the station where people were waiting for it, the bus driver heard someone cocking a gun. The person cocking a gun was sitting on the first seats [sic] next to the driver. The driver then stopped the bus to see if the person was attacking him. The driver looked at the camera and saw the gentleman (shooter).
“When the passengers approached the bus and attempting to get in, the deceased lady was in front. The passengers tried to get into the bus. [That was when] the shooter held the gun with his two hands and started shooting two shots at the lady.
“The lady ran away along with four other passengers who were trying to board the bus. They ran around the bus. The deceased lady fell along with another lady. The shooter fired two shots while he was in the bus. [He fired] another two shots while the passengers were running away.
“The shooter then fired two shots directly at the lady while she was lying on the ground. That is what happened. This is a clear indication that the lady was targeted,” said Kunene.
Footage to be handed over to police
Kunene said the Metrobus involved in the incident has a camera. The footage of the incident will be handed over to the police for investigation.
“We know there are criminal syndicates that want bank employees to do certain things for them. And when the employees refuse, then this is what happens. This was a clear hit, well-organised, well-orchestrated, and well-planned,” said Kunene.
No other fatalities or injuries were reported.
Metrobus expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased woman.
“It is with regret that Metrobus must inform all its commuters and citizens of Johannesburg at large that on 26 June 2024 while travelling on Boabab Street in Fleurhof en route to Sandton, our bus was boarded by an unidentified person who later proceeded to open fire on commuters who were attempting to board the bus. Unfortunately, one fatality resulted from this incident.
Impeccable passenger safety record
“Metrobus wishes to convey its concern for commuters who witnessed this incident. And to express solidarity with the family of the deceased commuter. Metrobus will use its resources to assist the authorities in their investigations of this criminal incident. This incident happens at a time when Metrobus has recorded a positive track record of safety over many years. The safety of our commuters remains a top priority,” said Metrobus.
