Putco bus torchings case: State to oppose bail against accused
Isaac Mabena and Luthando Skosana were arrested last month after four Putco depots were broken into, infrastructure was destroyed, and dozens of buses were set 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 - The two Mpumalanga men accused of torching 51 Putco buses are hoping to get bail and argue their release won’t threaten the community.
Isaac Mabena and Luthando Skosana were arrested last month after four Putco depots were broken into, infrastructure was destroyed, and dozens of buses were set alight.
But police said the damage didn’t end there.
Investigators found the pair also attacked two workers, striking one over the head with a chair and shooting the other.
Last week, they made their first appearance before the Siyabuswa Magistrates Court and were remanded in custody.
READ: State adds more charges against two Mpumalanga men accused of torching 51 Putco buses
The court heard damning details of how the two men deliberately set 17 buses worth R65 million on fire and brutally assaulted two employees.
A damage report from Putco officials the day after the attack found that 51 buses were affected.
While contingency plans helped keep bus operations going, the company admitted the incident severely impacted business.
Mabena and Skosana hope the justice system will show them mercy.
But the State isn’t convinced.
The State prosecutor says granting them bail would not serve the interests of justice.
"Your worship, both accused have been profiled, and the SAP69 was obtained. This is a Schedule 6 bail application. The state opposes bail.
The matter continues.