Narrow escape for Metrobus man

2003-03-27 13:05

Johannesburg - Two firebombs, which failed to ignite, were thrown through the bedroom window of a Metrobus official's house at Diepkloof in Soweto on Thursday, police said.

Superintendent Richard Luvhengo said the official, Philimon Mabunda, was asleep about 02:00 when what police bomb experts described as "chemically initiated fire devices" were thrown.

One device hit the wall of the house and the other crashed through the bedroom window. Both failed to ignite and no one was hurt, Luvhengo said.

The attackers fled on foot, no arrests were made and police have opened attempted murder and attempted arson dockets.

Luvhengo confirmed that police suspected the motive for the attack to be linked to the Metrobus strike.

Mabunda serves on the management of Metrobus and is involved in the present series of talks to end the month-long dispute which has stopped the 420-strong fleet operating.

Metrobus spokesperson Ross van Blerk said: "We don't want to make any comment at this moment. The matter is in the hands of the police, which is the best place. We are very glad that Philimon and his wife were not hurt."

Metrobus management and unions were scheduled to meet again on Thursday for the second time since mediators were appointed to help settle the dispute over working hours.

- SAPA