Golden Arrow Condemns Bus Torching In Mfuleni As Driver Injured During Early Morning Protest

An early morning protest in Mfuleni on Friday turned violent when a Golden Arrow bus was set alight, leaving the driver injured and raising renewed concerns about the safety of public transport workers in Cape Town.

The incident reportedly unfolded shortly before 6am as residents took to the streets in protest against the demolition of informal homes built on land owned by the City of Cape Town.

Golden Arrow Bus Services has since condemned the attack, describing it as both reckless and dangerous.

Protest Over Demolished Informal Homes

According to reports from the area, the demonstration was sparked by anger over the demolition of informal structures. Residents claim a private security company had been deployed to the site and accused officers of using heavy handed tactics while attempting to enforce order.

Frustrations quickly spilled onto nearby roads, disrupting morning traffic and public transport routes that many commuters rely on to reach work across the metro.

For many communities on the outskirts of Cape Town, informal housing disputes remain a deeply sensitive issue. Evictions and demolitions often trigger protests, particularly when residents feel they have not been consulted or treated fairly.

Bus Set Alight And Driver Injured

During the protest, one of Golden Arrow’s buses became a target. The vehicle was allegedly stoned and then set alight as tensions escalated.

The bus driver was injured during the attack. While details about the extent of the injuries remain limited, the incident highlights the risks faced by transport workers who often find themselves caught in the middle of community unrest.

Golden Arrow spokesperson Bronwen Dyke Beyer said the company strongly condemns such acts of violence.

“The seriousness of these brazen attacks should not be underplayed. Stoning buses and setting them alight is incredibly dangerous, and it is never justifiable,” she said.

Public Transport Workers Caught In The Middle

Golden Arrow buses are a daily lifeline for thousands of commuters across Cape Town, especially for residents in areas like Mfuleni, Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain who depend on public transport to access jobs in the city.

When protests erupt along these routes, drivers often face dangerous situations despite having no connection to the disputes that sparked the demonstrations.

Transport safety advocates have repeatedly warned that attacks on buses not only endanger drivers but also threaten passengers and disrupt essential services for entire communities.

Growing Concern Over Transport Safety

The torching of the bus adds to a growing list of incidents where public transport infrastructure becomes collateral damage during service delivery protests.

Authorities are expected to investigate the incident as the City continues to deal with tensions surrounding informal housing in the area.

For Golden Arrow, the message remains clear. Violence against public transport workers and vehicles places lives at risk and cannot be justified, regardless of the grievances behind a protest.

{Source:EWN}

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