Buses service recalled again after fresh attacks

Tshwane and A Re Yeng bus services remained suspended on October 2 after they were attacked last week on their return to operation.

The Tshwane metro had to recall its fleet from the crossfire due to the violent and unlawful strikes that allegedly have not calmed.

The metro halted operations after buses were pelted with stones and drivers intimidated by disgruntled Tshwane employees allegedly aligned to the independent municipal & allied trade union (Imatu) and South African municipal workers’ union (Samwu).

Tshwane metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said due to the ongoing unlawful and unprotected strike seemingly reigniting, a decision was taken to keep the fleet in the depots until such time it was safe for them to resume operations.

“This decision is based on safeguarding the metro’s fleet from criminals who have continued to target buses as and when there are attempts to operate the service and put the fleet back on our roads.”

Tshwane had last week confirmed that its two bus services – TBS and A Re Yeng – would resume operations before October 1 following the two-month-long strike that restricted drivers to their depots.

Tshwane had previously announced the resumption of service on September 13 but this turned out to also be a false start.

The halt in bus operations followed on the heels of the fleet being attacked on September 29.

The fleet and Tshwane headquarters were once again scenes of violence last Thursday and Friday when attacks were registered.

Bokaba said two Tshwane bus services (TBS) buses were attacked on Kgosi Mampuru Street (between Pretorius and WF Nkomo streets) on their way back to the depot.

“About 47 buses were dispatched for the morning shift to ferry commuters from various parts of the city,” he said.

“Windows and windscreens of the buses were damaged and the doors were broken as they were pelted with stones and other objects.

“Fortunately, there were no commuters onboard,” he added.

He said two Tshwane electricians, based at Fortsig depot in Pretoria West, were also attacked by a group of people as they refuelled a municipal vehicle.

“The truck’s windows were smashed when various objects were hurled at it.

“One employee was injured and rushed to hospital while the other did not sustain any injury.

“A water tanker was set on fire and two waste trucks were stoned.”

Bokaba said on Thursday (September 28), Tshwane headquarters in the Pretoria CBD were damaged during a protest by EFF members.

“Ten windows were broken when rocks and other assortments were thrown at the building.

Five windows are along Lilian Ngoyi Street while the other five are located on the mayor’s office side.”

He said five people were expected to appear in court on Monday following their arrest concerning malicious property damage.

Bokaba said the suspects were in detention at the Pretoria Central police station.

[WATCH] EFF violence and intimidation during yesterday’s Council meeting failed to stop the Tshwane council from doing its work. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/bPMLYrMGS8

— Mayor Cilliers Brink (@tshwane_mayor) September 29, 2023

City manager Johann Mettler has condemned “this cowardly violent act” on the city’s assets and vowed to hunt down the perpetrators behind this latest act.

“I wish to commend the police for acting swiftly by arresting the suspects who allegedly broke the windows of Tshwane House. They will spend the weekend behind bars for their behaviour. We will hunt down those who damaged our buses and bring them to book,” Mettler said.

He said commuters should continue to arrange alternative transport and would be kept up to date about bus operations and further developments.

Tshwane suspends restart of bus operations again

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