11 PASSENGERS INJURED IN PETROL BOMB BUS ATTACKS

Suspected link to protests over MyCiTi construction

- MARSHA DEAN

ONGOING construction to roll out MyCiTi bus services in Philippi are suspected to be behind a spate of attacks on Golden Arrow buses this week, which sent 11 passengers to hospital.

The three Golden Arrow buses were petrol bombed between Monday and yesterday in Philippi near Govan Mbeki Road.

Yesterday morning, around 8:30am, a bus was petrol-bombed along the route near Klipfontein Mission Station, which resulted in three passengers sustaining burn wounds.

On Monday morning, reports came in that a Golden Arrow bus was set alight when it was petrol bombed along Duinefontein and Govan Mbeki Road, which resulted in eight passengers sustaining serious injuries and being taken for medical attention.

Moments later, another bus with no passengers was set alight in the vicinity.

Bronwen Dyke-Beyer, spokesperson for the Golden Arrow Bus Services, said they suspect the attacks are linked to protests over the MyCiTi construction taking place in the area.

“Eight injuries were reported (Monday) and three (yesterday's) failed petrol bombing. Injured passengers were transported to medical facilities from the scene.