Illegal bus operators accused of exporting stolen goods from SA

Bus companies, some operating illegally, are allowing their vehicles to be used as conduits for the export of stolen goods, including copper cable, to neighbouring countries, and the police and security services are allegedly turning a blind eye.

An investigation by local bus owners, through their own hired private investigators, has allegedly established a link between cable theft in South Africa and illegal bus operations to neighbouring countries.

Investigation details

The ranks from which they operate are said to be in the Johannesburg CBD. Cable thieves have been accused of using the illegal bus operators – those without permits – to transport their loot to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

One of the local operators, Phumudzo Mukhwathi, chair of African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association, said their investigators had noted stolen cables being pushed in trolleys into bus ranks, with local police not taking any action.

“We were surprised when these trolleys were able to pass and enter the ranks carrying the stolen cables and other goods, while the metro police were parked outside the rank entrance.

“We suspect that the cops are involved because they don’t search these trolleys and bakkies that bring the stolen goods.”

Powerhouse bus station

Illegal bus operators with branded and unbranded vehicles used the Powerhouse bus station at the corner of Simmonds and Wolmarans Street, and others worked from the Mzansi bus rank at Jasper and Smit Street in Braamfontein, as well as from Johannesburg and Park stations, it is claimed.

The Johannesburg city had been informed about the illegal operators but the complaint allegedly fell on deaf ears.

It was only after the local operators threatened to approach higher authorities that the city took some minimal action recently.

Representations

Mukhwathi said the aggrieved operators have made numerous representations to the Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to close the illegally operating bus ranks, or to take action against bus owners who operated without permits.

They also approached the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency to act, reportedly to no avail. Mukhwathi said only after they had complained directly to Joburg City MMC for public safety David Tembe, did the JMPD conduct Operation Buya Mthetho with raids on the ranks.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed that the metro police have been checking bus cross-border operators. Asked about the ferrying of stolen cables, Fihla said they had not found any recently “but the problem had been prevalent throughout the year”.

The private investigators found cables and cellphone tower batteries that were stolen, among others. The investigators, using hidden cameras, found several other illegal activities occurring at the bus ranks.

Gate pass fee

“Through our investigation, it was discovered that each and every bus company has to pay a gate pass fee ranging from R600 to R1 000 and even more, on a daily basis to be allowed to operate in the ranks.

Officials claiming to be fighting the presence of illegal foreign nationals are demanding this as “protection fees”.

“Through our intelligence we discovered that some Cross-Border Road Transport Agency board officials, City of Joburg ranking facilities managers, and cross-border police officers are collecting money from these illegal bus ranks situated within the Johannesburg CBD,” Mukhwathi claimed.

But the JMPD’s Fihla said the problem of bribery of metro officials had not been reported to the department. “But once tangible evidence is brought to us, we will take action,” Fihla said.

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