Online Reporter
Melissa Mpofu
A sombre atmosphere hangs over Bulawayo tonight as the Delta Bus that was caught up in a horrific armed robbery in South Africa makes its final approach home, carrying traumatised passengers and the weight of tragedy.
The Volvo 60-seater bus, which left Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon bound for Bulawayo, had 54 passengers on board. It departed from the Power House in Randfontein, making pick-ups in Midrand and Pretoria before setting off on what was meant to be a routine cross-border journey.
However, the trip took a tragic turn along the N1 highway when two male passengers, seated at the back, suddenly produced firearms and pointed them at fellow travellers. In the chaos that followed, a 31-year-old male passenger, Judge Malamba, reportedly tried to disarm one of the suspects, prompting a struggle. Several others attempted to intervene, but the gunmen opened fire, fatally shooting the man and a young woman, believed to be about 25 years old.
The attackers then robbed passengers of cash and mobile phones before fleeing, leaving behind a scene of terror and heartbreak.
The bus later continued its journey and departed the Beitbridge Border Post at around 4:30pm. It is expected to arrive in Bulawayo after 9pm tonight, where grief-stricken families await, bracing for the emotional arrival of survivors.
A visit to the Delta offices in Bulawayo this evening found several families seated outside. Poles had been placed outside to reserve parking space for the bus, signalling its anticipated arrival.
“We’re here to pick up our daughter who’s on the bus. We spoke to her earlier and are still in touch. We just want to take her home,” said a father, while the mother sat beside him, visibly distraught and unable to speak.
This couple was then seen chatting with nearby vendors, desperately trying to gather any information about the bus’s whereabouts.
“The least they could have done was to let us wait inside their offices instead of leaving us outside in the dark. It’s unsafe and inconsiderate. They really need to do better,” said another family member.
South African police have since opened cases of armed robbery and two counts of murder. The suspects remain at large, and investigations are ongoing.
