A Golden Arrow bus was torched in Nyanga. Six Golden Arrow buses were torched since the taxi strike started on Thursday. Picture: ANA Archive
The Golden Arrow Bus Service (Gabs) has obtained an interdict against taxi mother-body Santaco and its eight affiliated member organisations from intimidating, harassing, threatening or interfering with its operations, employees and passengers.
This after six Golden Arrow buses were torched since the strike started on Thursday, while on Friday night, a Law Enforcement Advancement Plan officer (LEAP) was killed in Nyanga.
“On Sunday, August 6, having read the papers filed by Golden Arrow and following agreement between Golden Arrow (applicant) and respondents (including Santaco and its eight affiliated members participating in the strike), it has been ordered by the Honourable Justice Gamble that the respondents are interdicted from intimidating, harassing, threatening or interfering with Golden Arrow, its employees and passengers.
“Respondents must take all reasonable steps to ensure that Golden Arrow is able to operate without interference,” Gabs said.
Meanwhile the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Mina Lesoma, on Saturday welcomed the ministerial intervention in the matter between the City of Cape Town and the taxi industry.
She said she hoped that the intervention will bring about long-term solutions towards the harmonisation between law enforcement and the taxi industry.
“We need to apologise to our people for having been unfortunately subjected to this. This situation emphasises the committee’s long held view of an integrated and fully functioning public transport that is safe, affordable and efficient. The last two days are evidence that a functioning rail in the Cape Flats is urgently needed and we should spare no effort in bringing about an effective service.”
Cape Times