Two Golden Arrow buses torched
ARSON: Bus was set alight in Philippi yesterday
Golden Arrow is offering a R200 000 reward for information including video footage of those responsible for arson attacks on its buses.
This comes after two more buses were set alight and gutted in the Philippi area early yesterday morning, bringing the total number of buses destroyed in the last week to five.
Golden Arrow spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said no one was injured in the latest incidents, and that the drivers were the only ones aboard the buses.
“We have officials deployed across the peninsula 24/7, but these attacks happen so quickly that we cannot always act in time,” Dyke-Beyer said.
She said the attacks could not continue, and that the company was now calling on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and authorities to keep drivers and passengers safe.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana says detectives in Philippi East are investigating a case of public violence and malicious damage to property: “According to reports, a group of about 70 people from Siyabangena Informal Settlement participated in a service delivery protest at New Eisleben Road.
“They blocked the road. Two buses were torched and motorists were thrown with stones.”
No arrests were made yet.
Dyke-Beyer says each bus costs about R2.4 million and vehicles destroyed will ultimately impact commuters in terms of transport fees.
A total of eight Golden Arrow buses have been set alight this year costing the company R19 million.
“Golden Arrow will also be offering a R200 000 reward for any information including video footage of perpetrators setting buses alight, which will lead to the arrest and conviction of these perpetrators,” Dyke-Beyer says.