Narrow escape as protesters torch bus, truck
Cape Town-02-03-2016-A Golden Arrow bus and a brewery truck was burned by protesters this morning on the N2 and Delft.pic Phando Jikelo Cape Town-02-03-2016-A Golden Arrow bus and a brewery truck was burned by protesters this morning on the N2 and Delft.pic Phando Jikelo
Michael Nkalane
FOUR Golden Arrow staffers escaped with their lives early yesterday when protesters stoned the bus in which they were travelling to work.
The bus was stoned and torched in Saartjie Baartman Road in Delft South. At about the same time a fully loaded SA Breweries truck was stoned and set alight on the N2 near the R300 off-ramp.
Protesters also burnt rubbish on the N2. The police were stoned when they arrived in Delft to assist the bus drivers. Three people were arrested and charged with public violence.
Residents from the Tsunami informal settlement were protesting for the City to provide electricity in the area.
Provincial traffic chief Kenny Africa said outgoing lanes on the N2, near the R300 off-ramp, were closed between 3am and 6am.
Golden Arrow spokesperson Bronwen Dyke
said the driver had to smash windows to get out when it was ambushed. The staff received medical attention and counselling.
Dyke said the company was concerned by the potential for serious injury in such actions.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said: “While we were clearing the Golden Arrow staff, we were stoned, and three suspects aged between 27 to 40 were arrested and detained on charges of public violence.
“The protesters, amounting to about 100, disappeared amongst the dwellings in the area. Initial indications linked the incident to the community’s dissatisfaction with the lack of electricity in their area for the last eight months.”
Protester Nandipha Khuzwayo said it was not the intention for the situation to get out of control.
“We’ve held countless and fruitless community meetings. We went to the N2 where anyone could see and feel our pain,” she said.
Asked about the attacks, Lulama Nguzo said people were warned against the destruction of property.
“This is worse now. Where does SAB and Golden Arrow fit into politics? We were protesting so we can get basic services, that’s all.”
Ward councillor Khayalethu Makeleni did not respond to queries.Van Wyk said late yesterday the area was tense and police were deployed to monitor the situation.