News24 | Scholar transport driver shot dead on duty, several pupils injured after 'flying out of windows'

A scholar transport driver was killed when a gunman opened fire on his minibus. Several pupils jumped from the moving vehicle to escape the hail of bullets and were injured.

• A 42-year-old man was killed when someone shot at the scholar transport vehicle he was driving.
• The shooting reportedly took place after the driver picked up a pupil.
• Pupils jumped from the moving vehicle to escape the bullets. 

A scholar transport driver was killed when a gunman opened fire on his minibus on Wednesday, prompting several pupils to jump out of the moving vehicle, injuring themselves in the process.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, officers were called out to Mukula Village in Limpopo after the incident and found the minibus parked on the side of the road.

"A male victim was found in the driver's seat with gunshot wounds while the learners were scattered on the ground. Some were taken to the nearest hospital for [treatment], while others were treated at the scene," Mashaba said.

The driver, identified by his family as Rudzani Rambani, 42, was declared dead at the scene.

Witnesses said they heard the gunshots after the minibus stopped to pick up a pupil.

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety Florence Radzilani said the driver had been collecting pupils for school.

She added that a number of pupils had been injured.

She said:

The shooter reportedly fled into bushes and could not be identified since it was still dark at the time.

About six empty cartridges were found inside the minibus, police said.

The motive for the shooting is unknown.

READ | Dept says it's broke as more than 12 000 pupils walk long distances to schools in Eastern Cape

Radzilani said she was shocked by the "brazen crime" and had discussions with provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe. Hadebe assured her that "the matter is receiving the necessary urgent attention".

Hadebe said: "The police must work around the clock to apprehend all those responsible for the senseless killing. We simply cannot allow our communities to be terrorised by criminals."

Limpopo education department spokesperson Mike Maringa said the matter was with the police and referred News24 to the police for comment. He added that the scholar transport had been a private arrangement, not a department one.

Anyone who has information on the shooting is urged to contact the investigating officer, Captain Makwela on 082 414 7763.