The R40 between Mbombela and White River has been reopened after an intervention by the police.

The protest today, September 28, came after an alleged dispute between local bus operator, Buscor, and various taxi associations.

Commuters and motorists were frustrated as they could not get to their destinations as taxi operators brought Mbombela and surrounding areas to a standstill.

A spokesperson for Buscor, Thomas Lubisi, said Buscor is aware of the protests, but the bus operator is employed by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) to transport people in Ehlanzeni.

“When the taxi associations have issues regarding how Buscor operates, they must approach the DPWRT, because we operate as per the agreement that we have with the department. The taxi associations are aware of to where they have to report their grievances,” Lubisi said.

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He added that the department condemns the burning of the bus in Pienaar and the heavy duty truck on the R40 during the protest.

Meanwhile, the Topstar Taxi Association’s chairperson, John Mavundla, told Mpumalanga News that he is currently unable to provide any information regarding the taxi protests taking place on major roads in Mbombela.

“We are meeting this afternoon, and afterwards, I will be able to speak to the publication about what is happening,” said Mavundla.

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This is a developing story. More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.