20 April 2000
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has expressed outrage on the burning of twenty buses belonging to Ikhwezi Transport at Empangeni last night (19/04/2000).
The Department condemned last night's incident saying that this type of "wild west" behaviour from people intent to destabilising the bus industry will not be tolerated. This incident happened at a critical period when the Department is in the process of empowering the previously disadvantaged sectors of our community. It is therefore outrageous that there are elements that are bent on jeopardising this process.
The Department of Transport has urged all stakeholders to speed up negotiations and to expose those amongst them who might want to destabilise the process. Burning buses not only inconveniences people, it is blatant crime, which will lead to the Justice Department handing down severe punishment to those who are found guilty. The Department of Transport together with the SAPS are looking at all possibilities regarding the cause of this crime. We therefore appeal to members of the public o co-operate with the police to ensure that these perpetrators are arrested. We also wish to assure all commuters in the affected areas that the Department will do everything possible to ensure that services in the area operate as normal.
At this stage the motive for this incident is unknown. However, the South African Police Services have assured us that they will leave no stone unturned in ensuring a thorough investigation of this incident.
For further information and enquiries please contact George Mahlalela on 082-566-6785.
Issued by the GCIS for the Ministry of Transport KZN