Violent stabbing at Cheapside Terminal sparks safety concerns

Violence erupted at the busy Cheapside Terminal during peak hours on Monday, heightening fears about public safety, after a dispute between two men escalated rapidly into a bloody attack in full view of commuters and transport operators.

The incident, which occurred in the Deacons Farm bus lane (Lane 4), reportedly began as a sudden “commotion” while a public service vehicle was loading passengers.

According to an eyewitness, the situation escalated rapidly from a verbal dispute into a physical struggle.

“I was just breezing, and the van out there was loading,” the eyewitness said, describing the moments before the peace was shattered. “At first we thought two vans they’re like hit… then I just saw like two men scuffling, when one was stabbing at the man.”

The witness detailed a harrowing scene where the assailant used a weapon to “juck” at the victim.

Following the attack, the assailant reportedly fled the scene, while the victim sought help from family members. Despite the presence of security in the general terminal area, the witness noted that the speed of the incident made it difficult for them to intervene in time.

The victim was reportedly transported to hospital by car after contacting a relative.

Concerns regarding safety at the terminal have been heightened by the incident, with the witness noting that the outcome could have been far worse. “That could have been anybody, you understand? I can’t tell you exactly how the vibe escalate.

“Sometimes big man police in here, the police might be dealing with another matter and something else could transpire the same way too … it can be life threatening the same.”

No arrests have been confirmed at this time, and the condition and identity of the victim  were not immediately available.

Mark Haynes, spokesman for the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), expressed deep concern over what he described as a “wave of violence” sweeping the island, and emphasised that the transport industry could no longer be viewed in isolation from wider societal issues.

The high-traffic nature of the Cheapside terminal – a hub for commuters, workers, and tourists – made Monday’s incident particularly alarming, he added.

“I’m saddened by this development because all over this island it seems as though violence has overtaken the society,” Haynes said. “It’s very worrying and concerning for us because we cannot isolate ourselves from each other.”

In response to the rising frequency of stabbings and shootings, Haynes urged drivers and conductors to prioritise safety over schedule. He issued a clear directive to transport operators: if a passenger displays signs of potential violence, do not engage or depart.

“If you see people who have the potential to be violent just do not move the vehicle. Call the police to the scene so we can avert trouble,” Haynes said. “You don’t want to go and put a person in a vehicle whose behaviour is very violent because that can have implications for the other commuters.”

While calling for owners to “beef up” security by installing cameras on all buses to assist police investigations, Haynes stressed that equipment alone is not enough. He advocated for a “multifaceted approach” involving every citizen.

“Each one has to become his or her own security… in addition to the official security,” he said. “This is a major societal issue, so it has to be wrestled to the ground by all citizens. We have to come together in unison.”

He added: “I hope those persons recover as soon as possible and that the police would have those persons who are guilty of infractions brought before the courts to be prosecuted.”
(RR)