47 Buses Destroyed in Mpumalanga Arson Attack as Commuters Face Uncertainty
In a devastating turn of events, several Putco buses were set alight in Mpumalanga on Monday night, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and causing widespread chaos.
Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu confirmed that an unknown group of attackers ambushed security at the Moloto depot before torching buses and firing shots. In total, 47 Putco buses were destroyed across depots in Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabushwa, and Vaalbank.
What Happened?
According to Xulu, the incident began at the Moloto depot on the evening of January 27, 2025, when assailants overpowered security, tied them up, and ignited the buses. Two employees were injured during the attack—one sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while the other was struck on the head with a chair.
“Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the flames, while some employees managed to relocate buses to safer areas,” Xulu said.
Mounting Tensions with the Taxi Industry
Though the motive remains unclear, Xulu pointed to ongoing tensions between Putco and the taxi industry in Mpumalanga. “There had been incidents of taxi members interfering with our operations, but it’s too early to directly link the two,” Xulu added.
Law enforcement authorities are investigating the case, and arson has been confirmed as the cause.
Impact on Passengers
The loss of 47 buses has left thousands of passengers without reliable transport. Xulu noted that Putco’s operations team is working to adjust services, but warned that disruptions could persist for days, or even weeks.
“Despite the damage, Putco buses continue to operate in affected areas under heightened security,” Xulu assured.
Next Steps
A site inspection is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday, where officials will assess the extent of the damage and provide updates.
While Putco cooperates with law enforcement to ensure safety, passengers are urged to seek alternative transportation options in the interim.
This tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by public transport systems in South Africa and the devastating consequences for communities that rely on them. Stay tuned for updates as the story develops.
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