Two killed as Intercape bus petrol-bombed in Cape Town

SOUTH AFRICA – Two men were killed when an Intercape bus was petrol bombed in Strand, Cape Town, on Tuesday evening, a city official said.

It’s understood the petrol bomb was thrown at the Intercape bus travelling along Onverwacht Road in Strand just off the N2 highway.

Four people were in critical conditions and several other passengers sustained minor burn wounds in the attack that took place around 19:40.

The motive for the attack was not yet clear.

Safety and security executive director Richard Bosman said there was no unrest in the area and it appeared to be a “random attack”.

Mayoral Committee member for safety and security JP Smith said;

“Metro Rescue Services as well as ER24 are on the scene and the road has been closed. There’s no indication as to the reason of the attack but it doesn’t appear to be the result of protest action; there are no protests anywhere near the scene. It just too horrible.”

“It’s madness. It’s just too horrible. This is a long distance bus…and somewhere there is a mother or daughter or sister waiting for these two men who burnt to death,” Smith said.

“Whatever the motives of this deranged person of persons are that threw this petrol bomb, it’s too awful for words and I hope SAPS (SA Police Service) catch them quickly,” he added.

Western Cape police could not immediately comment.