Dear Editor
The DA in the Western Cape condemns the burning of Golden Arrow Busses and other vehicles this morning in Nyanga, which has caused close to R10 million worth of damages.
Not only does this place further strain on commuters and our transport infrastructure, but also proves that lawlessness and zero accountability in our justice system is allowed to prevail.
As such, I will invite the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to brief the Standing Committee on Transport on their strategy to convict the perpetrators involved in these incidents. The fact that our conviction rate in this regard is so poor shows that criminals can continue to interrupt and terrorise our passengers and transport infrastructure.
For as long as there isn’t a holistic approach to this issue, commuters will continue to bear the brunt and will have to use more of their disposable income to find alternative transport.
Transport remains the lifeblood of our economic activity and cannot be left to crumble. We will monitor these developments and do everything in our power to ensure that residents can have access to the safe transport options they deserve.
Regards
Ricardo Mackenzie, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Transport
