By REGINALD KANYANE
7 October 2024- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Monday said they condemn the recent torching of 23 buses at the Bojanala Bus Depots in Chaneng and Tlaseng villages. The movement described the incidents as atrocious and despicable acts of economic sabotage.
The provincial convenor of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said they call on law enforcement agencies not to leave any stone unturned until all those responsible are behind bars.
According to Kgwele, the in-depth investigation must also probe whether these treacherous and shocking acts that appear to have been well coordinated are linked to any criminal activities that are targeted at economic infrastructure in the province.
“We maintain that the impact of the losses incurred, estimated at R69 million, will have far reaching consequences on the provision of public transport for affected rural communities and greatly inconvenience commuters.
“We welcome the R50 000 reward that police have offered for information that might lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and appeal to our communities to assist them in their investigations,” he said.
Kgwele further emphasised that lawlessness must be ‘nipped in the bud’ for those involved in such acts of cowardice to be unmasked and brought to account for their evil deeds. He added that the charter of positive values must assist them to entrench sound community values in order to promote responsible freedom, as well as the rule of law and zero-tolerance to crime and violence.
“The October Transport Month must be used to promote safer, reliable and efficient public transport, as well as scholar transport,” said Kgwele.
Meanwhile, the police in North West said they are offering a reward of up to R50 000 for any information that can lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of alleged perpetrators in the Bojanala Bus Fire investigations.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, urged the community to come forward with information that will ensure that these ruthless criminals, who’s actions are hampering the transportation of school children and elderly persons, are brought to book to face the full might of the law.
“Anyone with information is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Captain Johannes Montsho of Phokeng Detectives on 076 834 3531 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on number: 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” he said.
The Guardian 