INLSA

Passengers climb aboard a People Mover bus

Police are investigating the attempted rape of a nine-year-old girl – allegedly by the driver of a People Mover bus.

eThekwini Municipality spokesman, Thabo Mofokeng, said the bus operator had not been suspended because the municipality was still waiting for police to conduct further investigations.

The child’s father, who cannot be named to protect her identity, said on Sunday that the girl seemed fine despite the shocking ordeal.

He said the incident happened last Monday and on Saturday the investigating officer had come to their home to take a statement from the girl.

“We are confused at this point because when we took her to the doctor he confirmed that she had been raped, but police are investigating an attempted rape,” he said.

He said there was no clarity on where the incident happened, but they hoped the investigation would clear this up.

“We know that the bus is monitored by satellite that details its movements and how many passengers are on the bus at any given time,” he said.

He said the child had been on one bus and along the way the passengers, including the child, were transferred on to another.

It is alleged that when the child pressed the button to get off the bus near the Point area, the bus driver – instead of opening the door and letting her out – began touching her.

Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Vincent Mdunge, confirmed the case.

The eThekwini Municipality’s public transport services’ senior manager, Mlungisi Wosiyana, said they were informed on Wednesday and contacted the bus operating company immediately, requesting a written report on the allegations.

“The bus operator has indicated that they are co-operating with police and the matter is still currently being investigated by the police,” he said.

He said the municipality viewed the alleged crime in a serious light and would closely monitor the investigation and outcome.

“This has a huge potential negative impact on the image of our People Mover public transport service.”