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The GOOD party is outraged by the torching of over 50 busses in what appears to be a planned arson attack. The resulting injuries to security officers who were just fulfilling their duties and trying to make a living must be condemned in the strongest terms.
 
This is a tremendous blow to the community reliant on these busses, be it for general transport or economic employment. 
 
Not only does each bus cost an estimated R125 million, but suppliers are unlikely to have this volume of replacement busses available. 
 
This incident will undeniably hinder local government’s ability to service transportation needs in the area. Those who rely on the public transport system will have severe disruptions to their daily routine and access to work. 
 
This was no act of hooliganism but rather a devastating attack which was premediated, organised and criminal in nature. 
 
With transport costs continuing to rise across the country and a significant portion of the average South African salary going into transport, it is undeniable that South Africans cannot afford to have their public transport system compromised. 
 
GOOD reaffirms PUTCO’s call for a swift investigation by SAPS. 
 
Any and all perpetrators in this mass arson attack must face the full force of the law. 
 
Perpetrators of Arson and Attempted Murder cannot be allowed to freely roam the communities they seek to drag down.
 
The bus industry has been the target of numerous attacks over the past years, yet this incident shows that more needs to be done to safeguard this crucial industry. 
 
The communities of Kwamhlanga and Siyabuswa are the ones who will feel the brunt of this horrendous crime for days, weeks, if not longer. They deserve swift justice.

Issued by GOOD National Chairperson Matthew Cook