Durban - The bus driver shot dead in what is believed to be a botched hijacking or robbery has been described as heroic by his employers.
TBT bus driver, Lindani Gwala, was shot in the head on Monday night by a gang of unknown assailants as he transported about 50 passengers from Pietermaritzburg to Greytown.
Manager of the bus company, Phaphamani Zondi, said from the information he received after the incident, it was clear Gwala, 41, had performed evasive manoeuvres when he was shot, to ensure the safety of his passengers.
“The speed at which the bus was travelling when he (Gwala) lost control, it is a miracle the collision wasn't worse. The bus should have gone right through the house, instead it came to rest at the first wall, and missed hitting an electricity pylon.”
Zondi described Gwala as a respectable man who was always punctual.
“He was a good employee. He will be missed,” Zondi said, adding that he was shocked when he got the news, and was heartbroken when he learnt of Gwala's death.
Gwala had been a driver with TBT bus company for three years.
According to police, Gwala had been transporting passengers to Greytown when he stopped in the Eastwood area to pick up three more passengers.
Gwala was about to turn into Table Mountain Road when the men drew a knife and firearm. Gwala was shot under his chin at point blank range.
The bus then crashed through the electric fence of the upmarket Beacon Hill Estate and smashed into the dining room of a home.
No one in the home was injured and only one bus passenger was taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
The assailants fled into nearby bush and are still at large.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane, confirmed a case of murder was being investigated.
Meanwhile, Beacon Hill Estate manager, Bruce Malcolm, who described Gwala's death as senseless and a travesty, confirmed that repairs to the damaged property were under way.
Malcolm said they were relieved no residents or passengers were seriously injured.
The bus that crashed into the dining room of a home in the upmarket Beacon Hill Estate on Monday.
Daily News