Putco investigating arson attack at 4 of its depots where almost 50 buses were gutted
It is understood that an unknown group of assailants ambushed and bound security at the Moloto depot before setting buses alight.
At least 45 Putco buses were gutted in arson attacks at four of the company's depots in Mpumalanga. Picture: Supplied by Lindokuhle Xulu/Putco
JOHANNESBURG - In Mpumalanga, Putco Bus is investigating an arson attack at four of its depots where at least 45 buses were gutted.
It is understood that an unknown group of assailants ambushed and bound security officers at the Moloto depot before setting buses alight.
The entity said the assailants also opened fire at the depot before the violence spread to other depots in the province.
The violence left two employees injured, one was shot in the leg, and another was struck on the head with a chair.
Officials will be conducting an inspection at the site on Tuesday morning, where an update will be provided.
Spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said: "The rampage spread throughout the night, with additional depots reporting buses set on fire. In total, approximately 47 buses were burned across the following affected depots: Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabushwa, and Vaalbank."
MPUMALANGA TRANSPORT DEPT KEEPING CLOSE EYE ON TENSIONS
The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport said it was keeping a close eye on tensions around Putco bus operations in the province.
Department MEC Thulasizwe Thomo is urging police to conduct a thorough investigation into the arson attack.
Thomo said the attack on buses is a severe setback for the community.
"The impact on our residents, particularly in the Nkangala district, cannot be overrated. We are particularly concerned about the effect this destruction will have on all our passengers, who rely on Putco bus services to access various employment and services across the district."
COMMUTERS TO BE SERVICED
Meanwhile, commuters who use Putco busses that were burned during the attack will still be serviced.
More than 3,000 commuters were affected by the attack.
Xulu said they usually had thousands of people who used their services daily.
"By the nature of Putco’s services it is very difficult to, tell. Each bus also works as a feeder, so it is not just that you are going to Centurion, but it is also the people in the intermediate that are using the buses."