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The City of Joburg is disturbed by the burning of a Rea Vaya articulated bus last night, Tuesday 28th May 2019, in Mzimhlophe Soweto during a community protest.
The incident happened at about 18h30 along Soweto Motorway near Carr Street in Mzimhlophe when a truck towing a Rea Vaya bus that had broken down was attacked and burnt down by protesters. The tow truck driver was also attacked and was rushed to hospital.
This is the second time that a Rea Vaya bus owned by Piotrans, the Rea Vaya bus operating company, has been burnt at the same location in Soweto
“It is unfortunate that the assets of Piotrans, a black owned business that was supported by the City through transformation of mini bus taxi operators is are attacked by the community that they are committed to serve”, said MMC Nonhlanhla Makhuba, MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.
To date three buses at a total estimated cost of R11.5 million have been torched during service delivery protests.
In recent months buses are diverted to ensure the safety of passengers but this has caused bus delays and inconvenience to passengers. It can take many months to replace a bus leading to less buses being available to transport workers, learners and students to their places of work, school and universities. Reduced buses also leads to overcrowding on existing buses.
“I condemn the burning of buses by protesters and encourage them to find solutions in a peaceful way to service delivery issues and concerns. I call upon law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to face the full might of the law,” added MMC Makhuba.
ENDS
For enquiries;
Please contact Ms. Tebogo Mogashoa, Stakeholder Manager, Office of the MMC of Transport at 011 298 5269/072 631 3783
OR
Mr. Benny Makgoga, Director: Service Promotions (Rea Vaya Services) at 011 870 4612 / 071 381 2819
