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Over 50 Putco buses razed to ashes
Mpumalanga police say they’ve heightened their alert level following a brazen attack on Putco bus depots in the Nkangala District on Monday evening.
A group of unknown armed suspects reportedly targeted several depots in the province, resulting in over 50 buses razed to ashes.
The transport utility’s officials say the motive for the attacks is still not known and a case of arson is being investigated.
Bus depots
According to Putco officials, Moloto depot was stormed by a group of unknown assailants last night. They say security was ambushed and bound before buses were set alight inside the depot.
Similar attacks occurred in Siyabuswa, resulting in more buses being torched at Maphotla Thabana depots.
Buses continue to operate under heightened supervision in the affected areas. But the damage is huge.
Putco Spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu says, “Despite the financial damages the company has incurred, commuters are the ones who’re going to bear the brunt even more.”
The violent attack resulted in two employees being injured. One was shot in the leg, and another was struck in the head with a chair. Residents didn’t want to speak openly for fear of reprisal.
“I heard sounds outside but wasn’t curious to know what was it about and it’s only in the morning when I learnt that busses were torched,” a resident says.
A worker who also spoke anonymously at one of the depots alleged that the attackers manhandled them and said they don’t want distractions as they’re busy. The police have labelled these attacks as well-orchestrated acts of violence.
Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli says, “Police will heighten investigations to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.”
Provincial officials on transport say they’ll engage Putco’s management to determine how to minimise commuter disruptions.
“The incident is a severe setback for communities who daily depend on the transport service for commuting,” says Thulasizwe Thomo, Mpumalanga Public Works & Transport MEC.
The bus company says it’ll prioritize both early morning and late evening bus services to ensure that all passengers are accommodated.
PUTCO – Bus company operating under heightened supervision in Mpumalanga after 50 buses torched:
