Community outraged after petrol bomb attacks on Golden Arrow buses

Nyanga and Phillipi communities have voiced their shock and sadness following a petrol bomb attack on two Golden Arrow buses on Govan Mbeki Road, which injured 11 passengers. The community is calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

According to the bus company, a petrol bomb attack on Monday, July 21, left eight passengers seriously injured, while three were injured in the Tuesday attack.

Golden Arrow Bus Service spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer confirmed that the injured in both incidents were taken to medical facilities from the scene.

She said that the motive behind the attacks is unknown. However, residents who spoke to Vukani suggested that the unrest stems from some community members being unhappy about not being offered jobs on the MyCiti bus project on Govan Mbeki Road, currently under construction.

Residents reported that they protested throughout the day on Monday, blocking parts of the road.

The company condemned what it described as a “senseless and horrific act of violence.”

Ms Dyke-Beyer said the attacks are alarming and unacceptable, as they jeopardise the safety of passengers. “Golden Arrow condemns these callous and brazen attacks in the strongest possible terms. We rely on the authorities to determine why these attacks are taking place and to apprehend those responsible, ensuring that everyone can move freely and safely within the area,” she said.

She added that the bombings affect the bus company's ability to provide an efficient public transport service while the buses are being repaired. Those who spoke to Vukani in Ward 90 discouraged the protesters and called for calm. Concerned residents urged everyone to help stop this dangerous behaviour, stating that it tarnishes their area's reputation, which is already known for its crime.

Some residents acknowledged that a small minority of unhappy individuals are responsible for the petrol bombings. Nosipho, whose surname cannot be mentioned for fear of victimisation, said those injured are ordinary citizens, including parents and children.

“Attacking buses and cars is a sign of stupidity to some individuals. Phillipi is known for all sorts of crimes, from hijacking to killings. These people are now adding another bad name to us. We must discourage such acts. We are known as a no-go area, but we continue with these acts of stupidity,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation. Thando (not his real name) said those involved in violent acts are selfish individuals who do not understand the reasons behind the protests.

“You cannot complain about not getting a job while there are other people from your area working on that project. It is foolish to say that. I believe some bitter individuals are using ordinary people who genuinely need work, and they fall for that. They are just a bunch of selfish individuals,” he said.

Ward 37 councillor Sandile Martin, from Nyanga, condemned the bombing and stoning of cars and buses on that road, even though these incidents are not occurring in his ward. “This is something that is happening elsewhere, but we must all condemn it. You will find that kids are also involved. One must ask what we are teaching our children,” he said.

Weighing in on the attack, Dumisani Qwebe from the Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) called for calm and rationality. He stated that violence has never solved any problem. “Stoning cars, blocking roads, and bombing buses will only hurt those travelling on that road. All they are doing is hurting innocent people and damaging vehicles, including the buses that transport their parents, sisters, brothers, and children. Violence is never an answer.

"If they are concerned about anything, they should sit down and resolve the issue,” said Mr Qwebe. He advised that people need to learn to approach the relevant authorities.