Seven hurt in attack on buses
INTIMIDATION: Councillor Allister Lightburn
Bus drivers and passengers were left injured after six Golden Arrow buses were stoned yesterday.
The incident happened between 5.20am and 6.10am, during which suspects pelted the buses with stones in Old Mamre Darling Road, Witsand in the Atlantis area.
Five passengers and two bus drivers are receiving treatment.
No arrests have been made yet.
Golden Arrow spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer says: “The attacks are linked to taxi operators in the area, as we have been intimidated repeatedly and quite openly, and were told that we should not operate in the area.”
Dyke-Beyer says police and the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement have been alerted to the threats: “This is outright criminality, and the authorities must take swift action against the perpetrators.”
Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the matter is being investigated: “Five commuters and two bus drivers were injured, and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Malicious damage to property cases were registered for investigation.
“Atlantis SAPS and other Law Enforcement Agencies are on the scene to monitor the situation.”
Proportional Councillor for Ward 29, and member of the municipality’s Transport Portfolio Committee Allister Lightburn was at the scene and says: “Residents feel taxi operators are behind this, so that commuters can rely on taxis for transport instead of buses.”
So far, 14 buses have been destroyed in attacks this year.
Golden Arrow is offering a R200 000 reward for any information that will lead to the arrests of those behind the recent torching of its buses.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Craig Hendricks on 021 571 8500 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.