PMV operations stop in NCD following the alleged shooting of a bus driver

PMV Bus services ceased operations for more than six hours in the National Capital District yesterday in a show of protest over a route 17 bus driver that was allegedly shot by Police on Saturday [February 17].

Bus owners, drivers and crews convened at Unagi Oval at Gordon's in hopes to air their grievances to NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika, the three Zone Commanders and other senior police officers of NCD.

Following the incident over the weekend, they raised concerns that they have been victims of police in many situations and demanded the police management to address this issues once and for all.

Metsupt Sika in response, confirmed to those who gathered at Unagi Oval that investigation into the shooting started with police officers visiting the crime scene and collecting witness statements.

He said the police will need witnesses to come forward and provide accurate information to help in the investigation.

He said most times taxi and bus drivers, crews and owners make allegations against the police with no hard evidence, and this was not helping for the police Internal Investigation Unit to hold those responsible officers accountable for their actions.

He said the other concerns raised by the bus crews about them being harassed must be documented and presented to his office for investigation.

PMV owners who were there also raised concerns about the actions of the police officers who had been stopping buses at odd locations and keys were removed without charging the drivers but later asked for money to release the keys.

Also in response to that Metsupt Sika told them all to document the evidence and lay a formal complaint for police to investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, Mr Sika called on the bus drivers and crews to resume normal duties of providing business and making profit as their actions had affected the general public.

He branded the gathering as illegal due to improper consultation with him or the NCDC authorities responsible for the city's PMV operators.

However, he was present to hear their grievances and assured them that police were investigating the matter.