PUTCO bus company suspends operations in SOWETO

PUTCO bus company has announced the immediate suspension of services to the Soweto route following unrest in parts of that area.

PUTCO BUSES WITHDRAW SERVICES IN SOWETO

PUTCO released a statement today, Friday, 12 May, to notify its hundreds of commuters.

“Please note that PUTCO will this afternoon (12 May 2023) not be able to provide a service to commuters travelling to Meadowlands and Orlando West where roads have been blockaded by protesting community members. This decision has been taken in order to ensure the safety of our passengers and drivers,” the statement read.

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CALL FOR CALM FOR AFFECTED COMMUTERS

“We call for patience as we try all we can to transport commuters to other parts of Soweto. We also appeal to passengers not to attack our drivers. They are trying their best to provide a service as far as possible under the current difficult circumstances which are beyond their and PUTCO’s control,” the statement further read.

“We regret the inconvenience to our passengers.”

PUTCO

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SERVICE DELIVERY ACTION ERUPTS IN SOWETO

The residents of Soweto took to the streets on Thursday to demonstrate against power cuts. The protest action erupted again today after a no-show by officials to address the service delivery concerns. This led to the blockading of roads with burning tyres and rubble.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) was kept busy by the protesting community members as they attempted to restore order. The officers were deployed to monitor service delivery protests in areas such as Meadowlands, Dube, Mzimhlophe and Orlando West in Soweto.

This is a developing story. An update will be published as and when new information is available.

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