South Africa: Multiple injured as protesters attack buses in Atlantis (Western Cape) August 25

Event

At least eight people were injured on Tuesday, August 25, when protesters attacked several public buses in the Western Cape town of Atlantis. Protesters are reported to have thrown stones and other objects at six buses in the Witsand area of the town on Tuesday morning, injuring a driver and seven passengers. The unrest is believed to be linked to taxi operators in the area, who have previously threatened to attack commuter buses. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Further protests, including attacks on public transport, and associated disruptions are likely in Atlantis in the near term.

Context

As in other areas of South Africa, protests over labour and service delivery issues occur frequently in former townships and some isolated coastal suburbs in the Western Cape. These protests typically involve road blocks, restricting travel in the immediate vicinity, and are often aggressive, with demonstrators attacking passing vehicles, particularly buses, and police. Protests involving taxi operators have often been particularly disruptive, with the groups threatening and attacking public transport, as well as private motorists.

Advice

Individuals in Atlantis are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.