Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
LIFE seemed to carry on as usual at the Delta Bus Station yesterday afternoon, but a dark cloud hung over the corridors after news broke that a Delta bus travelling from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe was hijacked early on Thursday, 9 October 2025.
According to witnesses two passengers were shot dead during the attack. One of the victims was allegedly shot five times for refusing to hand over his belongings and one of the bullets went through the seat to kill a woman. Social media is abuzz with claims that the woman had a young, disadvantaged child. Heart-rending pictures of the child seemingly trying to revive her lifeless mother have gone viral. Passengers on other Delta buses heading to South Africa seemed unaware of the violent incident, and many were visibly shocked when asked about it by a B-Metro reporter.
Vendors at the station carried on with their sales, and departure announcements continued over the loudspeakers. Staff members, however, wore dull faces, still trying to come to grips with the tragedy.
Despite the danger, Delta still has loyal customers. One commuter shrugged, saying, “These crooks do this every year; they are now looking for money for the festive season.” Another passenger admitted, “We travel by the grace of God with these buses.” Some locals advised avoiding travelling in the afternoon or steering clear of buses altogether during the festive season.
Social media buzzed with anger and blame. Many Bulawayo residents criticised Delta for failing to tighten security, claiming such attacks have happened repeatedly along cross-border routes.
In Johannesburg, police confirmed that the attackers boarded the bus posing as ordinary passengers and struck shortly after it passed the third toll gate. Passengers were robbed of money, phones and other valuables. Chaos erupted as shots rang out inside the vehicle. Emergency services responded, but no arrests had been made by press time.
Cross-border bus routes between Johannesburg and Zimbabwe have long been plagued by armed robberies, with travellers often losing their belongings or their lives. Authorities say the threat remains serious, and police have promised increased patrols and co-ordination with regional counterparts to prevent future attacks.
Delta passengers and the public alike are left to grapple with the stark reminder that even ordinary travel can turn deadly. At the Delta Bus Station, the vendors shouted, buses departed and life went on, but the memory of the hijack lingered as residents wondered who will be next.
No official comment had been obtained from Delta or South African authorities by the time of going to press.
