Chaos on Day 1 of SANTACO's stay-away

Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, Daylin Mitchell says two women got injured while jumping off a bus that was shot at in Khayelitsha on Monday morning. This as taxi association, SANTACO are embarking on a stay-away on Monday and Tuesday.

A MyCiti bus was set alight and the driver of the bus allegedly forcefully removed from the bus by unknown persons. The bus service has since suspended its routes until further notice.

Meanwhile, Golden Arrow Bus Services confirmed that a bus was set alight in Khayelitsha. Furthermore, a Golden Arrow bus was hijacked with passengers in Khayelitsha on Monday morning but soon recovered and driver arrested.

“Unfortunately the situation is unpredictable and volatile, and we don’t know what will happen from one minute to the next, but we ask our passengers to pleas bear with us as we are trying our best to operate as a full a service as possible,’’ said GABS spokesperson, Bronwen Dyke-Beyer.

Some of the incidents reported by the City of Cape Town, include;

·        A MyCiTi staff vehicle stopped at 04:43 and staff were held hostage in an effort to prevent them from operating MyCiTi kiosks

·        Gugulethu declared a 'no-go area' shortly after 05:00

·        A MyCiTi bus set alight shortly before 06:00 at the Steve Biko bus stop on Japhta K Masemola Road in Khayelitsha

·        MyCiTi bus routes serving Dunoon and surrounding areas deviating with immediate effect as from 09:00 due to intimidation and threats. These are Routes T01; T04 and D08

·        A MyCiTi bus stoned at Imizamo Yethu at 09:14

 

The police's Novela Potelwa said officers will keep a watchful eye on all major routes and identified hotspots within the metro.

‘’A plea is hereby made to those who are planning to partake in the strike to operate within the parameters of the law. Law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to take decisive action against those who transgress the law and infringe upon the rights of others.’’

‘’Meanwhile engagement with the organisers of the march and relevant authorities remains an open option in efforts to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the Western Cape. Law enforcement agencies respect the right of the aggrieved parties to strike. However such action must be undertaken within the confines of the law,’’ added Bragidier Novela Potelwa.

 

Done By: Mitchum George