Tshwane suspends bus service amid renewed incidents of vandalism
The City of Tshwane has suspended its bus operations after two of its vehicles were vandalised on Friday.
Officials say some of the buses have been pelted with stones and objects.
This comes as the city struggles to find a solution to the unprotected strike by workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu).
The two-month labour dispute is linked to a dispute over salary increases.
City spokesperson Selby Bokaba said one employee was injured and had to be rushed to hospital.
"Two Tshwane Bus Services (TBS) buses were attacked while on their way back to the depot. The buses were travelling on Kgosi Mampuru Street (between Pretorius and WF Nkomo Streets) when they came under attack.
"Windows and windscreens of the buses were damaged, and the doors were broken after being pelted with stones and objects. Fortunately, there were no commuters on board those buses."
Bokaba said the city took a decision to suspend bus operations until further notice.
"This (Friday) afternoon, two of the city’s electricians, who are based at Fortsig Depot in Pretoria West, were also attacked by a group of people at Bosman Street after refuelling the municipality’s vehicle.
"The truck’s windows were smashed after it was hurled with various objects. One water truck was set on fire, and two waste trucks were stoned," he said.
Yesterday, the city’s headquarters, Tshwane House, was attacked during a protest action allegedly by members of the EFF.
"Ten windows were broken when rocks and other assortments were thrown at the building. Five of the windows are along Lilian Ngoyi Street while the other five are located at the Executive Mayor’s Office side.
"Five people have been arrested in connection with the attack and are facing charges of malicious damage to property. The suspects are in detention at the Pretoria Central Police Station and are expected to appear in court on Monday." he added
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