Intercape slams police inaction

LONG-distance bus company Intercape appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Police, urging Parliament to intervene as police continue to fail in addressing a wave of violence and intimidation directed at the company.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

The Committee, chaired by DA MP Ian Cameron, heard evidence detailing the severity of the crisis, including more than 200 cases opened with police - ranging from murder and attempted murder to intimidation and extortion. Despite the volume and seriousness of these cases, Intercape said no arrests had been made and no prosecutions followed.

Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC told the Committee that the police’s response had been “a failure... in its statutory and constitutional duties,” even in the face of repeated court orders. Senior police officials claimed for the first time that 11 arrests had been made. However, Hofmeyr stated that this had not been reported to the courts or Intercape, as legally required.

Intercape said it has spent more than R420000 on medical costs for injured passengers, lost over R30 million in revenue due to suspended services, paid R3m for private security, and R5.5m for coach repairs. The company, founded in 1971, has faced various conflicts over the years, some dating back as far as 2016.