Last Tuesday evening, commuters en route home from Cape Town on a Golden Arrow Bus were robbed at gun point. The bus driver fled the scene and Ashley Europa, a 24-year-old passenger, took the wheel driving passengers to their bus stops before returning the bus to the Golden Arrow Bus Services (Gabs) depot.
A resident of Eastridge in Mitchells Plain, Europa is a father of one and the family breadwinner working as a cleaner. The story went viral with many praising Europa for his courage and initiative. He says he has been overwhelmed by people’s support, “There have been many people who called. It makes me proud, what people are doing for me. There was also someone who called for me to bring my CV to them to have a job in the new year…I feel very good about all the support, thank you”.
Gabs have offered Europa the assistance of their Training and Assessment Centre to get his learner’s and driver’s licences. Gabs spokesperson, Bronwen Dyke-Beyer says, “Golden Arrow has made contact with Ashley. This will open many doors for him, which include the possibility of becoming a professional bus driver”.
Europa says, “Golden Arrow must make sure they act on this matter of robberies, and I hope I have opened their eyes. To all the people, they must take care of themselves and look out for others.”
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay