A lot of thugs were seen harvesting metals for scrap yards yesterday.
 |
| Buses in ashes |
TWENTY-THREE Johannesburg-bound Zimbabweans were reportedly robbed of their cash and goods by rogue South African nationals while the Eagle Liner bus they were travelling in, was burnt to a shell, as they entered the strife-torn Tshwane area yesterday morning.Eagle Liner owner, Ghalib Ismail confirmed the incident, telling NewsDay that the bus was from Bulawayo.
“It’s true, our bus was attacked by protestors in Tshwane on their way to Johannesburg and passengers were robbed of all their belongings before the bus was set ablaze,” he said.
“We managed to take them (passengers) to Hammanskraal Police Station to safety and now, they have been released, so they can continue with their journey.”
Ismail said the bus had 21 passengers and two crew members, who also lost their belongings to the attackers, who also targeted haulage trucks passing through the area.
“The attack is purely politically-motivated (and) not criminally intended. We thank God that no one was injured in the attack. But we condemn this barbarism being exhibited. It’s not good for the country and business,” he said.
The residents are demanding that incumbent mayor, Kgosientso Ramokgopa stays, but the latter has reportedly distanced himself from the protestors, saying he was backing Didiza’s candidature.
“Government appeals for calm in all areas around the City of Tshwane and the peaceful resolution of differences,” South Africa’s acting director-general of government communication and information services, Donald Liphoko said.
“Violence, damage to property and infringing on others’ rights and free movement will not be tolerated by law enforcement agencies. Perpetrators will face the full might of the law. While all South Africans have the constitutional right to protest, government reiterates its condemnation of any form of violence and intimidation during protests and encourages continued dialogue to resolve differences,” he said.
The harsh economic environment has forced many Zimbabweans to flock to South Africa in search of jobs or as cross-border traders.
WE CONTINUE TO WONDER if Zimbabwe can still claim to be a functioning country with its citizens suffering across the world.