The City of Cape Town has rolled out extensive public transport enforcement operations in Hout Bay. This is in response to the previous arson attack on a MyCiti bus in the area. This was a joint operation between all the City’s enforcement agencies as well as Houtbay SAPS and POPS.

With several taxis and amaphelas impounded in the area, a group of Amaphela owners gathered at the Hout Bay Police station taking advantage that most of SAPS resources were out in the area, forcing the release of one of the arrested taxi drivers.

Metro Police and Taxi Enforcement Unit arrived on the scene and secured the area around the police station. Tracing operations are underway in Hout Bay. Additional charges of escaping from lawful custody will be brought against the offender.

Arson Attack on Hout Bay MyCiti bus

Almost two weeks ago, a MyCiti bus was stoned and set alight in Hout Bay. Approximately 40 passengers were onboard at the time of the attack. No injuries were reported and one perpetrator was arrested.

Mayoral Committee member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas says the City has opened a case of attempted murder, arson, and malicious damage to property. The replacement cost of the 9m bus amounts to approximately R1,3 million.

“I want to make it unequivocally clear to those who are hell-bent on disrupting and sabotaging the City of Cape Town’s MyCiTi bus service that we will not tolerate any violence and attacks”

The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith says the Hout Bay attack came as a result of enforcement actions against illegal “Amaphelas”.

The protest followed after the City’s Traffic Services responded to reports that minibus taxis were ranking illegally in the area. Some vehicles were also operating without operating licenses.

The City will keep on monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of our commuters and MyCiTi personnel – Rob Quintas