Two employees injured, 47 buses torched during attack on Moloto depot
More than 40 buses have been damaged and two employees injured during apparent arson attacks at four Putco depots in Mpumalanga.
The depots were set alight on Monday night, said Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu.
Initially, the company said that around 15 buses had been damaged during an attack at its Moloto depot in Mpumalanga.
“Putco regrets to confirm the occurrence of arson at four of its depots across Mpumalanga. Initial reports indicate that on Monday evening, an unknown group of assailants ambushed and bound security at the Moloto depot before setting buses alight and opening fire inside the depot,” said Lindokuhle Xulu.
Two employees were injured in the attack. One was shot in the leg, and another was struck on the head with a chair.
The incident resulted in damage to 15 buses and parts of the depot.
Xulu said: “The rampage spread throughout the night, with additional depots reporting buses set on fire. In total, approximately 47 buses were burned across the following affected depots: Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabushwa, and Vaalbank.”
He added that, despite the damage, Putco’s buses would still operate in the affected areas, but under heightened supervision.
“The company is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in the ongoing investigations,” said Xulu.
Mpumalanga Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC Thulasizwe Thomo has called on law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
“This incident is not only a loss for the bus company but also a severe setback for our communities who depend on this public transport service for daily commuting,” he said.
“The impact on our residents, particularly in the Nkangala District, cannot be overstated.”
Thomo added that he was particularly concerned about the “effect this destruction will have on passengers who rely on the Putco bus service to access various employment and services across the district”.
“We urge anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and assist law enforcement,” he said.
“We must work together as a community to ensure the safety and reliability of our transportation systems.”
Mpumalanga is one of the nine provinces of South Africa. The name means “East”, or literally “The Place Where the Sun Rises” in the Nguni languages.
©: news24
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