A woman passenger was killed, and two others, including the co-driver, wounded when a long-distance bus was sprayed with bullets in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday.
The attack happened on the R61 between Cofimvaba and Ngcobo at about 4pm.
The bus, which belongs to Makalala Trans, was travelling from Mthatha to Cape Town.
The Eastern Cape transport department condemned the attack on Thursday.
Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha expressed deep concern and outrage at the “senseless violence”, describing the attack as barbaric and criminal.
“We cannot allow such acts of violence to go unpunished.
“Those responsible for this act must be swiftly brought to justice.
“The safety of our people and the integrity of our transport system cannot be compromised.”
Nqatha said the incident occurred when the demand for long-distance travel was at its seasonal peak.
He raised concern that the attack may be linked to unfair competition or turf-related disputes in the public transport sector.
He urged law enforcement authorities to intensify their investigations and appealed to community members to assist the police with information that could lead to the arrest of the attackers.
“The right of every citizen to use a mode of transport of their choice must be respected and protected.
“Violence and intimidation have no place on our roads or in our communities.”
The department extended its condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a speedy recovery.