The Gauteng government on Wednesday condemned the shooting of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus in Soweto where two people were wounded, calling it "an act of cowards".

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the violent attack on a Rea Vaya bus in Soweto. The shooting is an act of cowards who are bent on using violence to intimidate commuters and the peace loving public," said its spokesperson Thabo Masebe in a statement.

Tuesday night's attack occurred near the Nancefield hostel when unidentified gunmen travelling in a Toyota Quantum opened fire on a Rea Vaya bus injuring a police officer and a passenger.

Both were in a stable condition on Wednesday, said police spokesperson Inspector Kay Makhubela.

The shooting has led to the strengthening of security in the buses and on all routes of the Rea Vaya system.

Makhubela said a five-hour police raid on the Nancefield hostel, which started at midnight, led to the arrest of six men. One of them was shot in the leg when he tried to evade police.

"He was shot in the leg when he started running away and shooting at police with an unlicensed gun," said Makhubela.

Another hostel dweller was found with an unlicensed firearm, two were found to have been sought for murder in Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal, and two were found in possession of dagga.

The provincial government urged police to do everything in their power to find those involved and bring them to book.

Masebe said buses would continue to transport the people of Johannesburg and no amount of intimidation would disrupt operations.