Putco Bus Arson Suspects to Receive ‘Prayer and Salvation’
The recent torching of 51 Putco buses in Mpumalanga has been described as an act of economic sabotage, with authorities vowing to bring those responsible to justice. While investigations into the attacks are ongoing, two suspects have been arrested. Interestingly, Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security, and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie has stated that the arrested individuals will receive prayers and salvation following their detainment.
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Suspected Arson: Several Putco Buses Torched in Mpumalanga, Thousands Stranded Amid Chaos
The Well-Orchestrated Attack on Putco Buses
The attacks, which occurred on 28 January 2025, targeted Putco depots in the Nkangala district. A group of armed individuals set multiple buses alight, injuring several employees in the process. Authorities believe that this was a well-planned and coordinated act of arson, although the exact motive remains unclear.
Macie emphasized the economic impact of the attack, stating that it was not just an attack on Putco but on the thousands of commuters who rely on the bus service daily.
“Some bought a monthly ticket or weekly ticket, so purely you are sabotaging the economy,” he explained.
The destruction of these buses has left thousands stranded, significantly disrupting public transport in the region.
Government Vows to Hold Perpetrators Accountable
The Mpumalanga provincial government has taken a firm stance against the attacks, labeling them “pure criminal elements” that must be dealt with swiftly.
Mpumalanga Public Works, Roads, and Transport MEC Thulasizwe Thomo stressed the importance of an effective transport system for economic growth.
“This is a serious setback, not only for the community of Nkangala and not only for Putco as a company, but for the department as well. If we do not have a proper transport system, it will mean we are a collapsing country,” Thomo warned.
Authorities have dismissed claims that the arson was linked to disputes within the transport industry. Instead, they insist that the attacks were acts of sabotage meant to disrupt economic activities.
Suspects to Receive ‘Prayers and Salvation’ After Arrest
Following the arrest of two suspects, MEC Jackie Macie made an unexpected statement, saying:
“With the investigation unfolding, we are now heading in the right direction. We have arrested two suspects, and we are praying with them. They are going to receive salvation.”
This remark has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some questioning whether prayers and salvation are appropriate in such a serious criminal case. However, Macie reassured citizens that the suspects were cooperating, and further details about their involvement would emerge soon.
The provincial government has insisted that justice will take its course, with authorities relying on concrete evidence rather than speculation to determine the full extent of the crime.
Putco’s Response and Plan for Recovery
Putco, one of South Africa’s largest bus operators, has taken immediate steps to mitigate the impact of the attack. According to Putco General Manager Dannie Malherbe, the company has:
✅ Mobilized a reserve fleet, with 50 replacement buses expected to be operational within a week
✅ Extended ticket validity, ensuring that unused daily, weekly, or monthly tickets remain valid for 30-60 days
✅ Conducted safety checks before releasing buses back into operation
Despite these efforts, Malherbe acknowledged the challenges commuters will face in the coming days.
“Passengers in this area travel for about 80 kilometres, which means people stand for an hour or two. Our service is designed for people to be seated, but now they are forced to stand until the other buses are in operation,” he said.
The attack destroyed 10% of Putco’s fleet in Mpumalanga, making full recovery a long process. However, the company remains committed to restoring services as quickly as possible.
The Bigger Picture: Public Transport and Economic Growth
The destruction of public transport infrastructure has far-reaching consequences. Not only does it impact commuters, but it also damages investor confidence in South Africa’s economy.
Transport plays a critical role in:
🚍 Connecting workers to jobs
📈 Stimulating economic growth
🏗️ Facilitating development in rural and urban areas
When such attacks occur, they do not just affect a company like Putco – they disrupt the lives of thousands who depend on reliable and affordable transport.
A Call for Justice and Stability
While the government’s decision to offer prayers and salvation to the arrested suspects may seem unconventional, the focus remains on ensuring justice. The Mpumalanga police and other law enforcement agencies are working hard to identify the masterminds behind the attack and prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, commuters and businesses continue to feel the impact of the arson, highlighting the urgent need for a safe and efficient public transport system.
With the investigation ongoing, the nation waits to see what further details emerge—and whether justice will ultimately prevail
