Leeto La Polokwane buses halted amid taxi protest
Commuters were left stranded after Leeto La Polokwane buses were blocked by taxi operators over unresolved shareholder disputes.
POLOKWANE – Frustration mounted among Leeto La Polokwane (LLP) bus service commuters on Monday morning when operations were abruptly halted.
Taxi operators and owners, who are shareholders in LLP, blocked buses from leaving the depot in Ladine, citing a list of longstanding unresolved issues. A fleet of taxis was parked opposite the bus depot to ensure no buses left the premises.
Commuters who rely on the service to travel daily into the city were left stranded. Many said they had already loaded their monthly transport funds onto the Leeto card and were shocked to learn via social media that the money on the card could not be withdrawn.
At 11:00, LLP management and representatives from the Seshego-Polokwane Taxi Association met to discuss the grievances. Issues raised included cut dividends, the dismissal of 16 drivers, and concerns over the registration of operating company Esilux, which has 10 directors but, according to shareholders, excludes beneficiaries from communities such as Seshego, Flora Park and parts of Westenburg.
Association spokesperson Ally Mothiba said shareholders had issued an ultimatum: “Until our queries are heard, the buses will not operate. Management has agreed to respond by Friday. Otherwise, these buses will not operate.”
In a statement, LLP confirmed the temporary suspension of operations due to “unforeseen circumstances” and urged passengers to “exercise patience and consider alternative travel arrangements.”
Spokesperson Malesela Maubane referred queries to Esilux chairperson, Moshita Lekganyane, who said the matter would only be addressed after the board of directors had convened later this week.
