/ 1 April 2006

Angry commuters burn three buses

Commuters angered by bus-fare increases have burnt three North West Star buses in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) news reported on Saturday.

Commuters were protesting on Friday night against the increases, which come into effect on Saturday.

Hundreds of commuters allegedly began intimidating those who wanted to buy the monthly and weekly travel coupons.

They started stoning buses and blocked the R101 main road from Pretoria to Bela Bela.

Police tried to restore calm and reportedly fired shots. There were no reports of injuries, the SABC reported.

Commuters say the company increased fares twice last year but services have remained poor. — Sapa