service delivery protests

Motorists had to dodge petrol bombs and stones during ongoing service delivery protests in Gqeberha. Image via: Port Elizabeth Traffic Updates/ Facebook

Watch: Motorists dodge petrol bomb in Gqeberha service delivery protests

Motorists had to dodge petrol bombs and stones during service delivery protests in Gqeberha. Trucks and buses were destroyed.

service delivery protests

Motorists had to dodge petrol bombs and stones during ongoing service delivery protests in Gqeberha. Image via: Port Elizabeth Traffic Updates/ Facebook

Motorists had to dodge stones and what appears to be a petrol bomb during ongoing service delivery protests on the R335 in the Motherwell area in Gqeberha.

On Wednesday, 14 April, a truck went up in flames and two buses from the Algoa Bus Company were set alight on the M17 on the way to Kwazakhele on Tuesday morning. Before that, a tanker truck was set alight on the corner of the M17 and R335 to Addo.

WATCH: TRUCK STONED IN SERVICE DELIVERY PROTESTS

PORT ELIZABETH TRAFFIC UPDATES

❗❗Just recieved this video of M19/Preseverance Road – Please don't use this road – Use alternative route PLEASE ❗❗Algoa FM News HeraldLIVE – Nelson Mandela Bay Luister FM

Posted by Port Elizabeth Traffic Updates on Wednesday, April 14, 2021

In a video that emerged on social media, protesters can be seen running towards a truck during service delivery protests in Gqeberha. While the truck driver stops and tries to reverse, his passenger jumps out and runs towards the back of the truck. Motorists can be seen trying to make a U-turn in the background. At this point, more protesters emerge tossing stones at the vehicle.

The areas remain tense after several buses and trucks were torched in ongoing service delivery protests on the R335 and Motherwell in Gqeberha this week. Captain Andre Beetge said all routes have been re-opened while police are monitoring the situation.

“It’s still tense at the moment and we need to stabilise the situation.” He added that no arrests have been made.

In a separate video clip, protesters can be seen tossing what appears to be a petrol bomb towards motorists.

MOTORISTS DODGE PETROL BOMB

PORT ELIZABETH TRAFFIC UPDATES

❗❗Also just recieved video of them trying to petrol bomb a vehicle on the M19❗❗

Posted by Port Elizabeth Traffic Updates on Wednesday, April 14, 2021

On Tuesday Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Algoa Bus Company, Sicelo Duze, said six of their vehicles were torched in service delivery protests since the beginning of the year. It will cost R8 million to replace buses torched in Gqeberha since the beginning of this year.

“To replace all six buses will cost the company R8 million. Our buses are insured, but the book value of one alone is R600 000 and it will take R1.2 million to replace it,” he said.

Posted by Port Elizabeth Traffic Updates on Wednesday, April 14, 2021

While the bus service will continue along those routes once protests have stopped. Duze added that it does not make sense to burn private property.

“People are asking for houses and water and I understand people’s frustration with government. But they are fighting for lack of service and then burning the companies providing those services. We are not part of government. There’s nothing we can do to fulfil government promises. It doesn’t make sense and it’s quite frustrating.”

READ: Watch: Buses, trucks torched in service delivery protests