Cape Town - Preliminary investigation into the cause of a fire that destroyed two buses has ruled out arson.
The two buses were engulfed in flames at just after 4am on Thursday at the Golden Arrow Bus Services (Gabs) depot in Blackheath.
Gabs spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said an investigation was continuing.
“No injuries were reported and preliminary investigations do not point to arson as the cause. A forensic investigator will be conducting an in-depth investigation to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire which started on one bus and spread to another,” said Dyke-Beyer.
Social media reports linking the incident to taxi violence have also been refuted.
“We would like to ask the media and public to please refrain from spreading fake news from unverified sources, which causes panic and can lead to actual incidents of vandalism as seen in other provinces. Golden Arrow is operating full services but is working closely with the authorities.
“Now more than ever we need to get people to work and to vaccine appointments – we are currently the only stable operator in the Cape metropole and it is essential that we are allowed to continue operating,” said Dyke-Beyer.
On Thursday police were combing the scene at the depot.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said a preliminary report could not yet ascertain the cause of the fire.
“Our crime scene experts (were static) on the crime scene at a bus depot in Blackheath, combing the area for any leads that can assist them in their investigation.
“Police members responded early yesterday morning, at about 4.25am to an incident and upon arrival at the scene they noticed two buses that were set alight. According to reports it is unknown what caused the fire that resulted in the damages of the two vehicles,” said Swartbooi.
City’s metro police spokesperson, Ruth Solomons, said they received a reporting that there were buses burning at the Blackheath Golden Arrow Bus Depot.
“The officers responded and found two buses completely engulfed in flames. These were the two buses which were stationary nearest to the boundary wall. The officers investigated and found no signs of protesters or suspicious activity in and around the facility.
“It is unclear at this point in time as to how these buses ignited. A case (was) registered at the South African Police Services for further investigation,” said Solomons.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said they were not ruling out the possibility of the incident being linked to ongoing taxi conflict.
“The torching of two Golden Arrow buses at a depot in Blackheath is under investigation,” said Smith.
Cape Times