Gunmen fire at buses, 1 dead
2008-07-08 12:07
Durban - A man was shot dead when gunmen opened fire on buses on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast on Tuesday morning, causing the bus drivers to flee, police said.
Ezakhawini police station commissioner Director Marie Wilson said buses had been picking up commuters when occupants of a passing Bantam bakkie opened fire on them at 05:00.
One man died at the scene. Police confirmed the victim was a 49-year-old passenger.
"Buses were also damaged but no other injuries were reported," said Wilson.
"Minutes after the shooting, bus drivers felt they were not safe and abandoned their buses on the road and fled on foot. At this moment, the buses are blocking two main roads leading into Ezakhawini," said Wilson.
Police suspected that the incident was related to escalating bus fees as a result of fuel hikes.
"Hundreds of commuters have been left stranded because taxis are also not fully operational in the area," she said.
No arrests had been made.
- SAPA