GABS suspends operations in Nyanga following torching of its buses

Four Golden Arrow buses, private and state vehicles, including a truck from the City of Cape Town were burned and stoned in Nyanga on Thursday morning following an impoundment operation targeted at illegal local Avanza taxis also known as Amaphela by Law Enforcement. One bus driver suffered head injuries.

PICTURE: SAPS

The police’s Joseph Swartbooi said law enforcement are keeping a close eye on the area.

‘’Public Order Police, supported by Nyanga Saps and Metro Police are currently monitoring a situation in Nyanga area where several busses and vehicles were set alight, by yet to be identified suspects.’’

PICTURE: SAPS

‘’The City of Cape Town Traffic Services assisted by Nyanga Saps and Law Enforcement conducted a compliance operation early this morning, Thursday 25 August that focused on illegal sedan taxis. SAPS deployment will remain in the area until calm has been restored,’’ added Warrant Officer, Joseph Swartbooi.

PICTURE: SAPS

Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, Daylin Mitchell, has condemned the incident

‘’These actions are completely unacceptable, purely criminal and will not be tolerated. We will not compromise on the safety of commuters and citizens. I thank SAPS for their swift response by deploying Public Order Police in the area to restore calm. I hope justice will prevail.’’

‘’The Western Cape Government will use all available regulatory measures and powers at its disposal to take strong action against anyone who makes themselves guilty of public violence, arson, intimidation, or any other criminal acts that impact on the safety and dignity of public transport users and citizens. We must defend the constitutional order and uphold the rights of commuters and other stakeholders,’’ added Mitchell

‘’I will not stand by and see this thuggery continue,’’ concluded the provincial MEC.

Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) sent out a notice saying that it will not operate in the Nyanga area and will be starting and terminating all Nyanga services from Borcherd's Quarry.

‘’The bus will stop at Borcherds Quarry to drop off Nyanga passengers and then proceed to Khayelitsha via freeway, adding that GABS are unable to operate along Eisleben,’’ said GABS Spokesperson, Bronwen Dyke-Beyer.

 

Done by: Mitchum George