Two suspects have been arrested by Mpumalanga police in connection with the recent torching of 50 Putco buses at four depots in the province. The violent incident occurred on Monday night in the KwaNdebele region of the Nkangala District Municipality, where a group of armed suspects driving a white Toyota Quantum ambushed security and set the buses on fire.
During the attack, two employees were injured – one was shot in the leg, and another was struck on the head with a chair. The police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, confirmed the arrests of the two suspects, aged 29 and 37, on Tuesday. The arrests were made possible through a coordinated effort by a team led by Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting provincial commissioner of the Saps in Mpumalanga.
One of the suspects was found in possession of a mobile phone belonging to one of the victims and a magazine for a 9mm pistol without ammunition. The police believe that these individuals were involved in the bus depot incidents, and further investigations are ongoing.
Investigations
Major General Mkhwanazi commended the swift action taken by the police team in tracing and apprehending the suspects. He expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation and hinted at the possibility of more arrests in the future.
‘Economic sabotage’
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy condemned the torching of the buses, describing it as “economic sabotage.” The transport department emphasized the critical role of Putco’s bus fleet in transporting approximately 200,000 commuters a day in Gauteng and Limpopo, with a significant operation in Mpumalanga.
Minister Creecy instructed the department to organize an urgent meeting with Natjoints to address the issue and develop an integrated response. The ministry expressed concerns that disrupting the company’s operations could have a detrimental impact on commuters in Mpumalanga who rely on the bus operator for daily transportation to Gauteng and other areas.
The transport ministry is committed to supporting efforts to prevent acts of sabotage on the country’s public transport system and will continue to work towards ensuring the safety and reliability of transportation services.
