/ 19 March 2007

Johannesburg bus commuters still stranded

Metrobus asked Johannesburg commuters on Monday to continue using alternative transport following the suspension of its operations on Friday.

Managing director Bheki Shongwe said the company could not allow bus drivers to work when their lives were in danger.

Metrobus temporarily suspended operations on Friday after one of its buses was found burnt out in Kagiso near Krugersdorp at about 4am.

The charred bodies of two Metrobus employees were found inside the bus.

It is believed that the bus was hijacked while taking Metrobus employees to work.

Shongwe said the company was monitoring the situation on Monday and felt it was still not safe for its employees to go back to work.

”At this stage we do not know when the buses will be available again,” said Shongwe.

Metrobus recently ended a lengthy and bitter strike in which drivers who worked during the strike were intimidated, attacked and two were shot, one killed and the other seriously injured.

The attacks are believed to be linked to the strike. The labour dispute revolved around payment of unused sick leave, and the reinstatement of dismissed staffers.

On Sunday, the bus company offered a R50 000 reward for information that would help track down those responsible for the attacks on the bus drivers.

Chairperson Vincent Mntambo said in a statement that Metrobus strongly condemned the violence and intimidation directed at bus operators since the beginning of the strike.

”These incidents are acts of criminality. Law enforcement agencies are pursuing the matter and we trust that they will bring the perpetrators to book,” said Mntambo.

He urged anyone with information to contact the investigating officer Sergeant Mbowane on 082-313-2596 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111. – Sapa