‘High alert’: Tshwane beefs up security as bus services resume

Bus services have resumed in the City of Tshwane after workers downed tools since July this year due to ongoing wage disputes.

Thousands of commuters were left stranded on Monday as about 70% of the city’s buses had not resumed operations, despite an announcement that the services would once again commence.

City of Tshwane bus services: Only 36 drivers pitched for work

City of Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba told EWN on Monday that while most of the drivers pitched for work, they refused to drive the buses.

“Only 36 [drivers] went out. Ten called in sick, and others reported personal reasons. So 36 are working, they went out on the first shift at 4.15am. The majority of the drivers reported for duty but refused to drive the buses,” he said.

READ ALSO: Putco bus strike ends after employees accept wage offer

Security measures put in place for buses

MMC for Roads and Transport in Tshwane Katlego Mathebe told Jacaranda FM the city and law-enforcement agencies have implemented several measures to ensure the smooth operation of buses going forward.

“To ensure the safety of our commuters, bus drivers and the city’s transport infrastructure, the city alongside the security cluster, which includes support from South African Police Service, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), Crime Intelligence, and private security has put up measures to oversee the efficient running of bus operations.”

Arrests

Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane law enforcement agencies arrested four people for pelting some of the city’s buses with stones.

The suspects are facing charges of malicious damage to property and intimidation.

The buses were damaged in Belle Ombre, Pretoria North and outside the C De Wet Bus Depot in the Pretoria CBD. 

READ ALSO: Cape Town taxi strike: Bus driver shot and MyCiti Khayelitsha route suspended

Bokaba told the publication that one of the suspects was found in possession of a bag full of stones. 

City of Tshwane to ‘clamp down harshly’ on intimidation, violence

He confirmed that the bus services will not be withdrawn due to intimidation from striking workers. 

“The city will instead beef up security to protect the bus drivers, commuters and the bus fleet.

“The Saps and TMPD [Tshwane Metro Police Department] have vowed to clamp down harshly on anyone who intimidates the non-striking employees and those who partake in acts of violence. The law-enforcement agencies are on high alert on all the routes operated by TBS and at the depots,” said Bokaba.