Armed assailants torch 51 PUTCO buses in Mpumalanga

By Alicia Mmashakana

The Public Utility Transport Corporation (PUTCO) has advised passengers to arrange alternative transportation following an incident where 51 Putco buses were torched in the Nkangala District, Mpumalanga.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), 16 buses were burnt in Kwamhlanga, while 35 buses were destroyed in Siyabuswa (18 in Maphotla and 17 in Thanane).

Acting Mpumalanga SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Zeph Mkhwanazi, said: “From what we have gathered so far, is that this incident appears to have been well orchestrated. We are confident on the team that were put together.”

Police said a group of armed suspects driving in a white Toyota Quantum, wearing black clothes and balaclavas stormed into a bus depot at Moloto and held the employees at gunpoint, on Monday.

The 15 suspects are said to have then shot as well as injured one security guard, who is in critical condition in hospital.

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