Namibian Bus Hijacked in Johannesburg, Passengers Stranded
A Namibian-registered passenger bus was hijacked in Johannesburg on 9 June, leaving travelers without transport or immediate consular help. The Independent Patriots for Change says the operator contacted Namibia's mission in Pretoria the same day but received no meaningful assistance days later.
citizen.co.zaA Namibian-registered bus operated by Mbishi Transport Project CC was hijacked at a four-way stop in Johannesburg on 9 June. Armed men held the driver for about five hours before releasing him unharmed, while the bus remains missing. Passengers were left without transport or immediate assistance. Some paid for their own accommodation, and one traveler lost a passport, complicating return travel.
The Independent Patriots for Change said the bus operator contacted Namibia's High Commission in Pretoria on the day of the incident but received no meaningful assistance days later. The party called for the Ministry of International Relations and Trade to explain what help was provided and to disclose contingency plans for Namibians facing emergencies in South Africa.
The IPC also demanded a 24-hour emergency consular hotline and concrete measures to protect Namibian traders and transport operators working across regional borders. The party linked the incident to wider concerns, noting that some Namibian cross-border traders have reduced travel to South Africa over fears of xenophobic attacks.
It said the government cannot promote regional trade and the African Continental Free Trade Area while failing to protect citizens who conduct business across borders.
