UPDATE [13 February – 6am] Business as usual
Things seem to be back to normal in eMbalenhle this morning. Buses and taxis are operational without any problems thus far.
UPDATE [12 February – 7.45pm] All quite for now
Things have quieted down in eMbalenhle, but according to reliable sources the situation is still tense.
Most of the roads are open.
However, the R546 to Standerton should preferably be avoided as it is still scattered with debris.
UPDATE [12 February – 3.20pm] Another body of an alleged taxi driver has been found at Blue Rank
More than 20 taxis have been vandalized.
Police are currently at Blue Rank and had given those inside five minutes to move out.
UPDATE [12 February – 2.30pm] Taxi driver shot dead in eMbalenhle
eMBALENHLE – A taxi driver was shot dead at the Blue Rank in a clash between the police and the Vukanini Taxi Association.
His body is still lying on the ground.
Some taxi drivers are receiving medical attention from paramedics. It is alleged that they were shot by the police.
The newspaper made several attempts to get hold of Brig Leonard Hlathi, police spokesman, with no luck.
UPDATE [12 February – 1.40pm] Vukta is not happy with the police
Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, chairman for Vukanini Taxi Association, said the situation in eMbalenhle got out of hand after police contravened a resolution that was taken in a mediation meeting that was held on Monday, 10 February.
He said it was resolved that buses will transport only learners until the matter is resolved.
However, they were shocked when they saw the police escorting buses carrying workers from Sasol.
He said Vukta retaliated because this was against the resolution. Mr Sibanyoni said Vukta did not intend to be violent.
He said today, 12 February, the association will be meeting Ms Gabisile Shabala, MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison to discuss the matter.
“We just had a meeting with the taxi owners to tell them that they must instruct their drivers to go back at work.
“The problem is that if they drive around, they are being shot at by police.”
He said taxis will be operating and urged police to stop shooting at taxis.
The Ridge Times is still waiting for a police statement.
UPDATE [12 February – 12.30pm] Vukta vs Megabus: Violence in Evander caught on camera
Another video has surfaced on the situation in Evander.
Megabus came under attack in front of the Gert Sibande College’s Evander campus today, 12 February.
[Video: Supplied]
UPDATE [12 February – 11.20am] Officer shot in eMbalenhle
eMBALENHLE – A police officer has been shot in the arm and was taken to the hospital, reliable source revealed.
It is alleged he was shot near Blue Rank next to the mall.
According to information, police have made several arrests.
The situation is still tense in the area and gun shots are heard all over the place.
Schools are closed and many businesses, including the Mall@eMba, are closed.
UPDATE [12 February – 10.30am] Violence flows over to Evander
EVANDER – Megabus came under attack in front of the Gert Sibande College’s Evander campus this morning, 12 February.
The windows of two buses were smashed before the vehicles made it to safety.
In this video recording by an unknown source, a gang of men jumps out of a taxi and moves in on a bus.
UPDATE [12 February – 9.40am] Community celebrates as police from various areas arrive in eMbalenhle.
Police are in the process of clearing some of the roads that are blocked.
UPDATE [12 February – 6.45am] WARNING: Motorists must avoid traveling through eMba
eMBALENHLE – The R546 between eMbalenhle and Standerton is currently a no-go zone for motorists.
Commuters are warned to avoid this area.
Trucks have been parked across the road to Sasol ‘s Charlie 3 entrance as well as in other parts of the township.
A second truck at Charlie 3 was set alight at about midnight.
Mr Alf Byleveldt from Jelani Security was just in time to bring the fire under control in the cabin of the petrol tanker before it spread.
The Govan Mbeki municipal firebrigade extinguished the blaze.
Roads in the township are also strewn with rocks and debris this morning, 12 February, making them inaccessible.
Travellers to and from Standerton are advised to use alternative routes.
The intersection at Ext 12 and the road towards Graceland are also blocked off.
No taxis or buses are operational.
[12 February – 7pm] WATCH: eMbalenhle is currently a war zone
eMBALENHLE – A clash between police and taxi drivers has erupted at about 4.30pm today, 11 February.
This came after taxi drivers allegedly impounded two buses belonging to Megabus.
Police intervened and escorted the buses to a place of safety.
According to reliable sources, the taxi drivers then attacked the police.
The police’s tactical response team was activated to also intervene.
Shots were allegedly fired in the clash.
Currently the drivers have closed the intersection near the Mall@eMba.
They are burning tyres.
