Pretoria News reports that the City of Tshwane MMC for Roads and Transport Katlego Mathebe has called on the SA Police Service (SAPS) to beef up efforts to protect the municipality following violent attacks on two Tshwane Bus Services buses.

The buses were on their way back to the depot, travelling on Kgosi Mampuru Street, when they came under attack. The buses’ windows, windscreens and doors were damaged after being pelted with stones and objects. Fortunately, there were no commuters on those buses. City spokesperson Selby Bokaba on Friday indicated: “The City has now taken a decision to withdraw all the buses, so bus operations will be suspended until further notice.” She strongly condemned the stoning of the municipality’s buses, adding that the City would not be deterred and would work to ensure that buses were back on the road. The City’s vehicles and properties have been under attack since workers affiliated to the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) went on an unprotected strike in July. Ten windows at Tshwane House were broken during an EFF-led march last week to demand the reinstatement of dismissed workers who were fired for participating in the unlawful strike. Five people have been arrested in connection with the attack and are facing charges of malicious damage to property. In another incident, two of the City’s electricians based at Fortsig depot in Pretoria West were attacked by a group of people at Bosman Street after refuelling the municipality’s vehicle.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Rapula Moatshe at Pretoria News

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