Intercape wants national law enforcement response to claimed organised crime efforts to sink bus service

CAPE TOWN - Intercape is calling on a national law enforcement response to an alleged organised crime effort to derail the bus service.

The Eastern Cape High Court has ruled that the SAPS and the Directorate for High Priority Crime, also known as the Hawks, failed to investigate one 165 incidents of alleged crime levelled against Intercape in five provinces over the last few years.

The court also ordered the Hawks to compile a report within 60 days detailing what measures it would be taking to investigate the alleged crimes.

Intercape attorney, Jac Marais, said the court not only ordered the SAPS and the Hawks to fulfill their duties but also maintained oversight on compliance with its order.

"The matter needs a national law enforcement response, including from the Competition Commission. The campaign of violence involves the market for long-distance transport services... also deeply anti-competitive and something that the Competition Commission should be concerned about."   

Marais said Intercape would be closely monitoring whether the court order was obeyed.