WATCH | Putco buses set ablaze in suspected arson spree across Mpumalanga depots

Putco

Cape Town – Several Putco buses were destroyed in a suspected arson attack at four depots in Mpumalanga on Monday night, January 27, 2025.

Unknown assailants ambushed the Moloto depot, bound security personnel, set buses on fire, and opened fire inside the depot.

Two employees were injured – one shot in the leg and another hit in the head with a chair.

“Putco regrets to confirm that a fire broke out at the Moloto depot in Mpumalanga. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the fire. Over 15 buses and parts of the depot have been affected by the blaze,” Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu .

The attacks spread to other depots, including Wolwekraal, Siyabushwa, and Vaalbank, resulting in a total of 47 buses being burned.

 

While the motive remains under investigation, tensions with the local taxi industry are being examined as a potential factor.

“There had been mounting tensions as far as the taxi industry in that particular area is concerned. There were some taxi members that were stopping our buses from operating every now and then, but we thought that we had the situation under control,” Xulu said during an interviews with Newzroom Afrika.


“I cannot bring the two together and say that that is the link we should be looking into. But I can certainly say that those are some of things that police will be looking into to understand what exactly is happening here,” Xulu said.

The incident has disrupted operations, leaving many passengers stranded.

Putco is working to adjust its operations while cooperating with law enforcement. A site inspection and further updates are expected. Despite the damage, some buses continue to operate under heightened supervision.

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