The City of Cape Town has condemned the violent action and arson attack directed at a MyCiti bus in Hout Bay yesterday, with Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, emphasising that acts of terrorism will not be tolerated.
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The protest action comes as a result of earlier enforcement action against illegal “amaphelas” operating in the area.
“Such incidents of civil terrorism will not be tolerated,” said Smith, taking to social media. “The City clearly expressed its position on the matter previously, both in Nyanga and Philippi, where similar cowardly attacks were met with large-scale, stringent area enforcement.”
Smith believes that enforcing existing national legislation is critical because it protects routes for valid permit holders while also ensuring commuter safety by requiring that such vehicles be kept in a roadworthy condition and that drivers have the necessary licensing and permits.
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“Those that do not comply have absolutely no right to demand instead that their unlawful actions be ignored.”
“Not only will targeted area specific operations now commence, but additional SSIU resources have been deployed to assist SAPS in the tracing and arrest of those responsible.”
He added that he had called upon the directorate to focus all available resources on wide scale enforcement over the area, more than just that related to the public transport industry but extending to other avenues of enforcement as well. “This must continue until those guilty for these latest cowardly attacks are surrendered by their community to SAPS, where they can be held accountable for their actions.”
Last year, MyCiTi bus and Dial-a-Ride services to Hout Bay were stopped because of protests in the area. This happened after the City of Cape Town halted Dial-a-Ride in Nyanga.
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MyCiTi and Dial-a-Ride services suspended in Hout Bay, due to protesting
Picture: Facebook/ JP Smith