Army could be deployed in Mamelodi

The military would be deployed if necessary to restore order in Mamelodi after violent protests by taxi operators the past week, Gauteng premier David Makhura reportedly said on Sunday.

He was speaking during a public meeting he and Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa held with the community in the township.

Violent protests erupted in Mamelodi the past week when taxi operators sought to prevent a new bus service from operating in the township.

A state-owned entity, Autopax, was to have taken over bus routes previously serviced by Putco last Wednesday. Putco has pulled out of Mamelodi for financial reasons.

But disgruntled taxi operators prevented Autopax buses from operating properly, leaving scores of commuters stranded.

Makhura reportedly told residents soldiers would be brought in to ensure the safety of public transport commuters if the violent protests did not cease.

He said Operation Fiela, involving police, the metro police and home affairs officials, had already been activated in Mamelodi to help restore order in the area.

The protests of the past week saw a bus driver and four passengers being shot and wounded.

The taxi operators claim they have been promised permission to take over the Putco bus routes.

Also read:

Taxi violence now a priority crime in Mams

Buses stoned in Mamelodi

Mamelodi taxis protest against new bus service

Transport department replaces Putco buses

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