The Golden Arrow Bus Service has suspended its operating service in Nyanga after two of its buses were torched during alleged taxi violence on Friday, 18 March.
According to a statement by the bus company, they had no option but to institute these measures as their main priority is the safety of their passengers and staff.
“Unfortunately we have had to move out of Nyanga completely and are operating from the N2/Borcherds Quarry. Khayelitsha buses also have diversions in place but officials will be on the scene,” the statement said.
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According to the City of Cape Town’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, the City condemns the attacks on vehicles in Nyanga this morning.
“Between 06:50 and 08:30, five vehicles were targeted with petrol bombs, two Golden Arrow buses, a City truck and two LDVs belonging to Eskom and the City.
“Our staff are working closely with the South African Police Service to track down the persons responsible for these heinous acts. While the motive has not been established, we suspect it could be in response to operations yesterday to locate the taxi driver and owner who escaped custody when the Philippi East police station was violently attacked last week,” Smith adds.
Smith further appealed to members of the public with any information concerning these attacks to please call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
Meanwhile, Eskom has also suspended its service following the attacks on its vehicles. The power utility indicated that areas affected by the violent unrest are Boystown, Crossroads, Luzuko, Mandalay, Marcus Garvey and Philippi.
“Unfortunately, this means that there will be a significant delay in electricity restoration efforts and customers may experience prolonged durations without electricity. Eskom Security Services is working closely with the local authorities by assessing the situation and to ensure the safety of staff when work can resume once the affected areas are safe to enter,” the power utility said.
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Picture: Cape Town Daily