Tshwane MMC suspends all municipal public transport
28 August 2019
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Roads and Transport, Councillor (Cllr) Sheila Senkubuge, today announced the suspension of A Re Yeng and Tshwane Bus Services (TBS) operations in Tshwane.
The suspension follows an outbreak of riots in the Pretoria CBD yesterday, 27 August 2019. Public transport operations in the CBD came to a halt as eight vehicles were seized by disgruntled participants after a shooting took place in the CBD.
The shooting, which resulted in the death of a taxi driver, is reported to have incited the riots, which lead to two A Re Yeng buses, three TBS buses, a Gautrain bus and two trucks being used by the rioters to block roads. Commuters were left stranded.
Cllr Senkubuge has appealed for calm and urged Tshwane residents, the taxi industry and all stakeholders to exercise restraint and to allow law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to book. This will ensure that Tshwane commuters have access to reliable, safe, cost-effective and efficient public transport.
Cllr Senkubuge, who attended the scene of the riots, strongly condemns the shooting and unlawful use of public transport vehicles. The details of the deceased have been communicated through police platforms. Cllr Senkubuge also commended the Tshwane Metro Police Department for recovering the public vehicles that were used to blockade roads.
“The Department of Roads and Transport is duty-bound to prioritise the safety of commuters and residents, while the suspension is a precautionary measure to safeguard City assets and prevent vandalism against the same,” said Cllr Senkubuge.
The suspension of all public transport operations is a preventative move influenced by the alleged planned citywide shutdown by taxi operators tomorrow in a fight against drug dealers in Tshwane.
The City apologises for the inconvenience caused by the disruption to public transport in the CBD and the scheduled suspension of public transport operations.
For enquiries:
MMC Roads and Transport, Cllr Sheila Senkubuge
073 433 8562
Issued by Group Communication, Marketing and Events Department.