Protest action leaves 19 injured, scores of Golden Arrow buses damaged in Nyanga
AT LEAST 19 people were injured and nearly 70 Golden Arrow Bus Services (Gabs) buses damaged during recent ongoing protest action targeting the company’s vehicles in Nyanga.
According to Gabs spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer, the problem started last Thursday and reached a boiling point on Friday when several incidents were reported, and two yesterday.
It is alleged that at the heart of the protest is retaliation by taxi industry operators and drivers after their vehicles were impounded during traffic operations in the area.
“Five passengers were injured as a result of stone-throwing incidents and 14 employees were assaulted or injured as a result of stone throwing. Since Friday, 63 buses have been damaged as a result of stone throwing, one bus had its tyres slashed, another bus was set alight.
“Three company vehicles were also set alight; of those, two (happened) this morning,” Dyke-Beyer said.
Despite the hostile situation, buses operated as normal yesterday, with officials on the ground and an increased presence from the authorities in the form of a joint operational plan, she said.
“We are very grateful for the close working relationship that we have with the provincial Department of Transport and the assistance that they provide us.
“We would, however, like to appeal to the authorities at all levels to take a more proactive stance in protecting our vital public bus service. Particularly when historic data shows that certain types of operations often result in attacks on our service in the aftermath.”
Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said an investigation into the incidents was under way and arrests were yet to be made.
Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) spokesperson Mandla Hermanus condemned the incidents.
“We have heard of incidents relating to the burning of a bus in the
Nyanga area.
“We can, however, not confirm if the perpetrators belong to Cata, as there’s no Cata affiliated association that is on strike.
“A meeting will be convened by the executive tomorrow to try to understand the reasons behind the incidents, and to come up with a plan on how to deal with this matter.”
Transport MEC Daylin Mitchell said a number of City vehicles and staff were also attacked in the area.
“I thank the SAPS and traffic authorities for their swift response, which included the impounding of 56 minibus taxis and several arrests in the area.
“Department of Transport and Public Works officials, including the office of the Provincial Transport Registrar and the Provincial Regulatory Entity, have been in contact with leaders of the SA National Taxi Council and Cata to discuss urgent measures to be taken by these representative structures to rein in their members who may be involved in these criminal activities.”