NATIONAL NEWS - The police in Mpumalanga have heightened visibility after 51 Putco buses were torched at four depots in the KwaNdebele region of the Nkangala District Municipality last night.
According to Mpumalanga News, 16 buses were burnt at the Moloto depot in KwaMhlanga, 18 at Maphotla, and 17 at Thanane in Siyabuswa.
According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the buses were set alight by a group of armed suspects driving a white Toyota Quantum.
“Approximately 15 suspects, wearing black clothes and balaclavas, stormed the bus depot at Moloto and held the employees at gunpoint. They fired shots and injured one security guard. About 10 suspects attacked and assaulted a security guard, then torched 18 buses at Maphotla, and another 10 suspects went to the bus depot in Thanane. The two injured persons were taken to hospital for medical attention,” Mdhluli says.
He adds that the police are investigating various charges, including malicious damage to property, attempted murder, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“The acting provincial commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the incidents and immediately assembled a team of investigators to probe them, with the hope to arrest the perpetrators of the criminal actions. No one has been arrested so far, and the motive thereof will form part of the investigation.
“The police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the suspects to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or send information via My SAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous,” says Mdhluli.
Putco buses torched at one of the depots. Photo: Mpumalanga SAPS
Putco has urged its commuters in Moloto, Wolwekraal, Vaalbank, and Siyabuswa to make use of alternative transport arrangements.
The bus service provider said in a statement last night that its services are severely impacted after the fires.
“We appeal to the commuters for patience as our operations team is considering ways to avoid a prolonged inconvenience,” said Putco.
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