Intercape wins battle against govt, SAPS for failing to protect it from ‘transport mafia’

CAPE TOWN - Intercity bus company Intercape has won a two-year court battle against the Department of Transport and the South African Police Service (SAPS) for failing to protect it against the so-called "transport mafia".

The court proceedings came after no arrests were made, despite Intercape reporting 171 cases – including assault, vandalism, intimidation and murder - to police.

Intercape said since 2015, the company’s buses have faced attacks allegedly by taxi drivers, with several passengers injured and one Intercape driver shot dead.

Intercape's fifth court victory halts the government and police from appealing a previous judgment ordering them to prevent violence against long-distance bus drivers and passengers.

Intercape CEO Johann Ferreira has slammed former ministers Bheki Cele and Fikile Mbalula for appearing to be in cahoots with criminals in the minibus taxi industry.

Ferreira said he hopes new Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy and Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu will respect the court’s ruling.

Both departments have indicated they will respond to the Eastern Cape High Court's ruling later on Friday.