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Transnet Port Terminals in Port Elizabeth has appealed to communities for help following a spate of violent attacks on its employees, including the wounding of one employee on Tuesday.
The state-owned entity said over the past two months three TPT branded shuttles had been shot at, hijacked and torched in incidents in Walmer, Kwazakhele, Motherwell and Soweto-on-Sea.
Acting general manager at TPT’s Cape Channell, Donald Benning, said on Tuesday an employee travelling in a branded vehicle was wounded when shots were fired at the vehicle and its occupants.
“While we can hire private security to escort all our shuttles throughout the day every day, it is not a sustainable solution,” Benning said.
Instead, he said Transnet Port Terminals was calling on members of the community to “please assist us to protect our employees.”
He said TPT was also appealing to Port Elizabeth communities to provide information that could assist investigations into these incidents.
The SOE said it has 810 employees at its 24-hour operation and provides transport as part of the conditions of employment the company has with employees.
Police spokesperson, Captain Andre' Beetge, said the incident happened around 5.20 am on the R-102 between Markman and Perseverance.
He said it was reported that passengers heard something striking the vehicle and later realised that a man was wounded in the foot.
A case of attempted murder is under investigation. He also said the motive behind the attacks would form part of ongoing investigations.
