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Bus Service Suspended Once More Following new Wave of Attacks
Tshwane and A Re Yeng bus services remain suspended as of October 2 due to ongoing violent strikes and attacks on buses and municipal property. Last week, the Tshwane metro had to recall its bus fleet following incidents of stone-throwing at buses and intimidation of drivers by disgruntled Tshwane employees allegedly associated with the independent municipal & allied trade union (Imatu) and South African municipal workers’ union (Samwu).
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Selby Bokaba, the Tshwane metro spokesperson, stated that the decision to keep the fleet in depots was made to safeguard the buses from further attacks by criminals during attempts to resume operations. This suspension of bus services comes after the two-month-long strike that previously restricted drivers to their depots.
During the recent attacks, two Tshwane bus services (TBS) buses were attacked on Kgosi Mampuru Street, damaging windows, windscreens, and doors. Fortunately, there were no commuters on board at the time. Additionally, two Tshwane electricians were attacked while refuelling a municipal vehicle, and a water tanker was set on fire while two waste trucks were stoned.
Earlier in the week, Tshwane headquarters in the Pretoria CBD were also damaged during a protest by EFF members, with ten windows being broken. Five people were arrested in connection with the malicious property damage.
City manager Johann Mettler condemned the acts of violence against the city’s assets and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Commuters have been advised to arrange alternative transport during the suspension of bus services, with updates on bus operations and further developments to be provided.
Source: Buses service recalled again after fresh attacks
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Photo: Supplied by Citizen