Four arrested for stoning three Tshwane buses
Buses were damaged in Belle Ombre, Pretoria North and another outside the C De Wet Bus Depot in the Pretoria CBD just after resuming operation after two months’ discontinuation.
Four suspects have been arrested for malicious damage to property and intimidation after stoning three buses from Tshwane Bus Services (TBS), disrupting the running of buses.
The attacks occurred in various parts of the city on Monday, causing damage to the buses and disrupting the city’s public transport system.
The city has since said it will beef up security to protect its buses, drivers and passengers.
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said buses were damaged in Belle Ombre, Pretoria North and another outside the C De Wet Bus Depot in the Pretoria CBD.
He added that one suspect was found in possession of a bag full of stones.
“The arrests were a result of a multidisciplinary operation undertaken jointly by the SAPS Dog Unit and TMPD, aimed at curbing criminality that has characterised the unlawful and unprotected strike by some employees of the city,” Bokaba said.
The suspects are facing charges of malicious damage to property and intimidation.
Bokaba said the buses were pelted just when they resumed operations on Monday after almost three months’ absence owing to the unlawful and unprotected strike by municipal workers.
He said the strike had been declared unlawful and unprotected by the Labour Court in July.
“The court subsequently granted the city a permanent interdict against the striking workers in September.”
He said on Monday morning, TBS operated 36 of its 160 daily shifts.
“The majority of the drivers reported for duty but refused to drive the buses. Internal processes are underway to deal with the workers who refused to execute their duties.”
Bokaba however said Tshwane management is adamant the bus services will not be withdrawn amid the intimidation and will instead beef up security to protect the bus drivers, valued commuters, as well as the bus fleet.
He said the police had promised to harshly deal with anyone who intimidated the non-striking employees, as well as those who partook in acts of violence.
“Law enforcement agencies are on alert around all the routes operated by TBS and at the depots.”
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