By Alex Patrick.
Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene has offered a R100 000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the killers of two Rea Vaya bus operators who were shot dead on Monday night.
On Facebook on Tuesday, he said he would pay the amount personally and not use City or Department of Transport funds.
His post was met with positive responses.
The two bus operators were shot dead in different parts of Soweto at around 20:30 on Monday after they were ambushed.
The one was ambushed at a traffic light in Wild Chestnut Street, Protea Glen and the other was shot while driving in Tshithuthune Street in Mapetla.
Kunene believes the killings were orchestrated.
“Killing innocent people has left women widowed, children [orphaned], fathers, brothers and grandfathers have been taken away from their families,” he said after visiting both shooting scenes on Tuesday.
He added that the incident had “caused trauma throughout Soweto and throughout the Rea Vaya community”.
“It’s my view that we need to assist the police. I therefore commit R100 000 to anyone who assists police in apprehending these barbarians. This is not money coming from the City of Johannesburg or the Department of Transport – it’s money I’m committing as Kenny Kunene to show my commitment to making sure these barbarians are brought to book,” he said.
He added that anyone who offered help would not have to wait for the matter to be finalised to receive the money, as long as the police are able to confirm that they have evidence linking the arrests to the crimes.
“I will make the cash available,” he said.
An inquest has been opened, and two murder cases are being investigated.
The bus service was still suspended on Wednesday “due to unforeseen circumstances,” according to the City, which said Kunene was engaging with stakeholders.