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Pretoria - Residents of Mamelodi say they want clarity regarding who has the authority to ferry them to their various destinations.
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“Some people are saying the discussion about the route was held long ago but now this is happening," said Sipho Masango .
"Putco was operating but they [taxi owners] were not fighting but now because Autopax is here there is a fight. We want to understand what their problem is,” he said.
Meeting
The residents were gathering at the Stanza Bopape Sports Complex ahead of a meeting to bring an end to the violence and disruptions of buses on Sunday.
The meeting will be addressed by Gauteng Premier David Makhura, who will be accompanied by City of Tshwane Executive Mayor, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, and members of the executive council.
The meeting is a follow up to the one held with stakeholders on Friday to resolve the violence and disruptions of operations by Autopax bus services in the area.
Government has expressed concern over the violence and has committed itself to protecting the rights of consumers to use the transport mode of their choice based on price, safety and reliability.
Those who have already gathered said they hoped to hear of a solution to the problem.
(News24)
Safety concerns
Masango said he feared for his family and other commuters on the bus.
He called on government and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of those using public transport.
“We are afraid because our families are using these buses. What will happen if my wife is on the bus and it gets stoned or shot? We want to hear what their promise is to ensure our safety. This thing is not right because we expect the situation to be as it was in the past.
"Commuters’ safety should be a priority. What they promised each other behind closed doors we don’t know but we must be safe,” he added.
Other commuters said it was unacceptable that buses have to be escorted by police. Buses were operational in the morning under police escort.
Mathews Mokgadime said he hoped to get clarity about the person who has the right to transport commuters in the township.
A large number of residents are expected to attend the meeting.
