Security beefed up around George Integrated Public Transport Network

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Western Cape Transport Minister, Donald Grant, says security will be beefed up around those roleplayers involved in the implementation of the You Go George integrated public transport system.

This follows the murder of 47-year-old taxi boss, Tom Queba, who was the chief negotiator for the taxi industry in the process.

He was found in his mini-bus on the N-2 near Thembalethu Township with a bullet wound to the head. He died later in hospital.

The Hawks in George are investigating Queba's murder.

Minister Grant was in George on Monday to offer condolences to Queba's family and to meet with stakeholders on the GIPTN.

He said security measures will be put in place for those personnel involved (in the project). "That will be done with SAPS, full support from the Local Authority and Provincial Government where necessary. We don't want to say too much about that but behind the scenes we'll ensure that the process continues," Grant said.

"There's been a huge amount of collaboration and consultation and the process has been fairly smooth to date. It has reached an advanced stage and although the negotiation itself is complete we've really got to ensure we assist the police in their inquiries."

"We've done an appeal for everyone to remain calm so that people can do their work and really at this time the main thing is to ensure that Queba's family is supported and the roleplayers remain calm and that we continue to do what is planned for the ecomoy and the people of George."

Grant said while "one does not want to speculate" there's a high degree of probability that Queba's murder is linked to the Go George Project.