Public Order Police, LEAP officers, and City Traffic Services have been deployed to Nyanga after another Golden Arrow bus was set alight on Tuesday morning, injuring three people.
Just before 07:00 on Monday morning, eight passengers were injured after a Golden Arrow bus was petrol bombed in Philippi at the corners of Duinefontein and Govan Mbeki Roads.
GABS spokesperson Bronwyn Dyke-beyer says the assailants used darkness and the homes around them as cover.
The assailants attacked another bus, also on Monday morning, at around 08:00, but the fire was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported in that incident.
It appears the attacks on the buses are linked to unhappiness among some residents, that they did not get construction jobs on the MyCiti bus project along Govan Mbeki Road.
A group of residents protested throughout the day on Monday, blocking parts of the road with burning tyres and debris, and reportedly stoning vehicles.
A protest leader Zamuxolo Makeleni told GroundUp that they were behind the petrol bombing of the buses.
“We are tired of not being listened to when we ask for clarity and more information on the ongoing construction of the MyCiti bus projects. When we see an opportunity to disrupt, we will do so until the City comes on board and listens to our demands. Our demands are legitimate.”
The MMC for Urban Mobility was quoted saying the City will not accede to any demands for the project to be halted. He asked residents be patient and allow the contractor to proceed.
Police members will remain in the area to monitor the situation and respond to any further unrest. They have also called on anyone with information about the incidents to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
