Putco probing arson attack at 4 of its depots where almost 50 busses were gutted! Putco Bus is investigating a shocking arson attack at four of its depots in Mpumalanga, where at least 45 buses were destroyed in a series of coordinated acts of violence.
The Incident
The attack began at the Moloto depot, where an unidentified group of assailants reportedly ambushed and restrained security personnel before setting buses on fire. The perpetrators are also said to have opened fire at the depot, escalating the level of violence.
The chaos quickly spread to other depots in the region, including Wolwekraal, Siyabuswa, and Vaalbank. In total, approximately 47 buses were torched, resulting in significant property damage and operational disruptions for the company.
Injuries and Impact
Two employees sustained injuries during the attack. One individual was shot in the leg, while another was struck on the head with a chair. Both employees are receiving medical attention, but the incident has left many shaken and raised serious concerns about safety and security at the depots.
Statement from Putco
Putco Bus spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu confirmed the scale of the destruction and shared details about the affected sites.
“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, Siyabuswa, and Vaalbank,” said Xulu.
The company is conducting a thorough inspection of the damage, and officials are expected to provide an update on the situation following site visits scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Investigation Underway
Putco has launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and identify the perpetrators. While the exact cause remains unclear, the level of coordination suggests a well-planned operation.
Authorities are also involved in the investigation and will be assisting Putco in gathering evidence. Security measures at depots and along bus routes are expected to be reviewed and strengthened in light of the incident.
Economic and Community Impact
The loss of 47 buses represents a significant blow to Putco’s operations in Mpumalanga, a province where public transportation is a vital lifeline for many residents. Thousands of commuters depend on Putco buses for daily transportation, and the destruction of so many vehicles is likely to disrupt services for an extended period.
The attack also highlights broader concerns about security and safety for transportation companies in the region. If left unaddressed, such incidents could deter investment and undermine efforts to improve public transport infrastructure in South Africa.
Call for Accountability
Putco and local authorities have called for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. The arson attack not only endangers lives but also undermines the livelihoods of employees and the commuting public who rely on the company’s services.
Community leaders and stakeholders have also urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, Putco’s focus will be on ensuring the safety of its employees and passengers while restoring services as quickly as possible. The company is expected to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to prevent future incidents and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the attack.
For now, the Mpumalanga community waits for answers and hopes for a resolution that will restore stability to the region’s public transportation system.
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Rapper and Inkabi Nation frontman, Big Zulu, was involved in a car accident on Sunday night, according to a statement released by his record label. The label has asked fans to keep the artist, whose real name is Siyabonga Nene, in their prayers during this challenging time.
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