Bus driver assaulted en route, man in custody

Serious concerns are being raised after another bus driver was allegedly assaulted by a passenger early this morning in Samabula.

While speaking to fijivillage News, Central Transport Company Limited driver Roneel Chand says he was driving through Samabula when a passenger asked him to stop before a bus stop, at a yellow line.

He says when he refused to stop, the passenger, who was standing near the entrance, climbed over the engine and punched him in the head and neck.

Chand says the passenger then tried to get off the bus and flee, but his quick thinking allowed him to shut the door in time.

Despite blood running down his face, Chand drove the bus, with passengers, to the Samabula Police Station, where the passenger was arrested.

He says if the bus had swerved or hit another vehicle, the situation could have been far worse.

He adds that even if he had stopped on the yellow line and something had happened there, both he and the company would still be held accountable.

Central Transport Director Mahendra Nair also says that a punishment of two to three years' imprisonment should be handed to people who assault Public Service Vehicle drivers, and such action should serve as a deterrent.

Police have confirmed that a suspect is in custody and an investigation is underway.