Protesting Emfuleni residents torch bus, resulting in driver's injuries

A Golden Arrow bus driver was injured after protesters reportedly stoned and torched the bus he was driving in Mfuleni.

Public Order Police were deployed to the area shortly before 6am on Friday after a violent protest broke out.

Police are investigating a case of malicious damage to property.

Tensions ran high in Mfuleni, where a small group of residents took to the streets.

Protesters said they are angry about the deployment of a private security company and the demolition of informal homes in the area.

Residents also alleged that the private security officers are guilty of heavy-handed tactics to maintain order and claim their concerns have been dismissed by the local ward councillor.

Golden Arrow Bus Services has condemned the torching of one of its buses.

The bus services’ spokesperson, Bronwen Dyke-Beyer, said the bus driver was injured during the attack.

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

No arrests have been made in connection with the torching of the Golden Arrow bus.