A bus driver was left traumatised after protesters set a Golden Arrow bus alight on the corner of Highlands Drive and Eisleben Road on Monday July 9.
Provincial police spokesman, Captain FC Van Wyk, said after land invaders who had been squatting in Mitchell’s Avenue, were removed, youngsters put tyres in the road, but removed them when members of the community told them to do so.
About 20 minutes later, however, at 12.40pm, police were called to the scene where the bus had been set alight and destroyed, he added.
“According to the bus driver an unknown male got into the bus and told her to get out of the bus. She was still speaking to the person when she saw the smash and the bus burning.
“All the passengers got out of the bus, free of injuries. The bus was totally destroyed. A case of malicious damage to property was registered for investigation,” said Captain Van Wyk.
Golden Arrow Bus Services spokesperson, Bronwen Dyke-Beyer, said: “Golden Arrow can confirm that one of our buses was set alight and subsequently gutted in the Woodlands area. No injuries were reported. At this stage the motive is not clear and we would like to appeal to anyone with information to please come forward. We condemn this senseless act as it means that there is now one less bus to transport people to work and home.
“Setting a bus alight can have tragic consequences far beyond simply destroying something that costs more than R2 million to replace.”
The Members of the Woodlands Home Seekers’ Association (WHSA) have distanced themselves from the incident.
“We request the community to come forward with the identifying of the faceless suspect,” said Captain Van Wyk.
If you can help, contact Lentegeur police station at 021 377 5042.