eMBALENHLE – Two members of the Vukanini Taxi Association who were arrested after a Lamavuso Transport bus was vandalised on Tuesday, 7 February during a route conflict, were released on a warning in the Evander Magistrate’s Court.
Messrs Mdevi Zwane (29) and Thswenyane Pitse (25) will re-appear in court on 2 March.
Police officers on patrol saw men wearing balaclavas at a Lamavuso Transport bus in Ext 12.
It is alleged the men smashed the windows of the bus.
Police apprehended and took them to the eMbalenhle Police Station.
Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, chairman of Vukta, said this conflict began when Lamavuso Transport operated on the association’s route to Sasol without a permit.
They apparently held several meetings with Lamavuso Transport’s management, who agreed they would stop operating on Vukta’s route on 31 January.
“We were shocked when we were called to a meeting at the Secunda Police Station and were told there was a problem.
“We did not know about it, because our meeting with the company was healthy and progressive.
“We have an email in which they confirmed they would stop operating on our rout on 31 January.”
Mt Sibanyoni said the company did not keep to their promise.
He said the company later showed a permit that allows them to operate in the area.
“Which procedure did they follow?
“The procedure is that a local association should apply for a member to get a permit through the municipality.
“That procedure was not followed.”
Mr Sibanyoni vowed Vukta will have a big stay away on 8 February and that taxis would not have operated on that day.
However that was cancelled after unions and Sasol engaged in negotiations with the association.
The Ridge Times made several attempts to contact Mr Morris Shabalala, CEO of Lamavuso Transport, but he was unavailable.
