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Some of the Putco buses which burnt overnight at the Moloto depot in Mpumalanga. Image: Antonio Muchave |
In a devastating series of attacks across Mpumalanga on Monday, 47 Putco buses were set ablaze at four depots, leaving two employees injured. The incidents took place at the Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabuswa, and Vaalbank depots, all of which were targeted in a coordinated assault involving petrol bombs.
According to Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu, the assailants, whose identity remains unknown, gained access to the depots and began setting the buses alight. "We understand that this was done through petrol-bombing," Xulu confirmed. The damage to the buses was extensive, leaving a significant impact on Putco’s operations.
In addition to the destruction of the buses, two Putco employees were injured during the attacks. One employee sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while another was struck on the head with a chair. These injuries have raised concerns about the safety of workers in the area and prompted Putco to reaffirm its commitment to continuing operations despite the attacks.
Xulu assured the public that the company is cooperating with law enforcement agencies to investigate the attacks and identify those responsible. The motive behind the assault remains unclear, though authorities are working tirelessly to uncover more details. Despite the chaos, Putco has pledged to keep its services running as usual, though disruptions are likely as the damaged depots are assessed and repaired.
The attack on the depots in Mpumalanga marks a serious escalation in violence against public transportation services in the region, and the company is calling for heightened security measures to prevent further incidents.
Putco has confirmed that it will remain in close communication with local law enforcement to ensure that those behind the attacks are held accountable. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring those responsible to justice.