SITEKI – Public transport operations were brought to a standstill yesterday as kombi operators abandoned the official bus rank to protest against a police crackdown on unauthorised stopping points.
The protest was sparked by the arrest of a driver on Monday for picking up passengers near Lubombo Mall, an area clearly marked with ‘No Parking’ signs.
By Tuesday morning, several kombis were seen parked near the Galp Filling Station, allegedly blocking access for customers and delivery vehicles.
The operators initially gathered near Masotjeni Station, opposite the Siteki Nazarene Clinic, at approximately 9am before returning to the unauthorised parking area near the mall. They later retreated to the official bus rank for a meeting convened by the Lubombo Kombi Association.
Siteki Station Commander Elmon Nkonde, who was at the scene, stated that operators are legally required to work from the authorised bus rank near the Siteki Market.
“They want to pick and drop passengers here, which is unlawful,” Nkonde said.
The station commander noted that the ‘No Parking’ sign was installed by the Siteki Town Council following complaints from filling station owners. He added that the illegal parking was not only obstructing business at the mall and filling station, but also negatively impacting vendors at the market, who lose customers when the official rank is bypassed.
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… operators warned of E1 500 fines
SITEKI – The Lubombo Kombi Association has warned drivers that they face internal fines of up to E1 500 for ranking in unauthorised areas.
The warning was issued by the association’s Secretary, Cromwell Shongwe, during an address to operators at the bus rank following the morning’s standoff. Shongwe clarified that the resolution to prohibit parking near Lubombo Mall was a formal decision made by kombi owners during a previous meeting.
Despite some heckling from operators, Shongwe maintained that the minutes of the meeting, including the names of the owners present, would be provided as proof of the agreement. He explained that the association had previously attempted to fine violators, but many had refused to pay.
“If they want to come up with a resolution, the kombi owners have to meet with the association and the Siteki Town Council,” Shongwe stated.
He further revealed that a designated stop sign once existed in the area to allow for the picking and dropping of passengers, but it was subsequently removed due to non-compliance by operators.
*Full article available in our publication
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