Cape Town — Police in Mpumalanga have arrested two men in connection to the torching of 51 Putco buses at four depots in the province.
Putco confirmed that the assailants ambushed the Moloto depot where they bound security personnel, set the buses alight and opened fire inside. Two employees were injured in the incident.
“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, said.
Several Putco buses were destroyed in a suspected arson attack at four depots in Mpumalanga on Monday night, January 27, 2025. #AfricanInsider https://t.co/SVqt50AMmb
— African Insider (@AfricanInsider2) January 28, 2025
Following the incident, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdlhuli confirmed that a 29-year-old and a 37-year-old suspect were arrested, Newzroom Afrika reported.
“We believe that they have got a case to answer and we believe they are part of a group, though we are still in search of the others that were reportedly involved. It wouldn’t be wise to share more details because it might disturb our investigations for the others we are still looking for,” Mdhluli said.
He said police found a magazine but there was no live ammunition found and police said it could be important in the investigation he also did not rule out any more arrests.
“With regard to the charges against them, we can mention one or two such as possession of suspected stolen property and possession of that magazine but in terms of blowing their identity, I think it will disturb the team,” he added.
“We want to get everyone that was behind this behind bars,” he concluded.
Mpumalanga police have arrested two men in connection with the torching of at least 51 Putco buses. The pair, aged 29 and 37 were taken in last night. The buses were set alight on Monday night at four depots. Newzroom Afrika’s @NqobileMadlala_ speaks to Mpumalanga police… pic.twitter.com/S5IllCt3YI
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 29, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
