The stakeholder relations manager, Vuyo Ondala, says following the shutdown, the business was forced to revise its operational hours and it is set to start operating at 14:00 until 17:00 across Bloemfontein suburbs. He says the last Interstate bus from Bloemfontein to Botshabelo will leave at 19h:00. Ondala has urged employers to release employees early to catch these buses. The violent protests so far have led to the death of a 15-year-old teenage boy.

"On Sunday 15 May 2021 at 22h00, Interstate Bus Lines has been made aware of the planned Mangaung shutdown on Monday 17 May 2021. IBL Management has decided to precautionary suspend all Mangaung local bus operations scheduled for 17 May 2021 amid safety concerns," he adds.

Interstate Bus Lines has further apologised to passengers for the disruption of their daily routine due to the current Mangaung shutdown action.

"We understand the urgency of the matter but our response plan places the highest priority on the health and safety of our passengers and our employees," Ondala adds.

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