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.
This was during the period the 16 buses were burnt.
Meanwhile, at Siyabuswa area, about 10 suspects attacked and assaulted a security guard then torched the 18 buses.
The security guard was also taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Portfolio Committee on Transport Chairperson, Donald Selamolela said that this was a senseless act, as it destroyed services that people need to link up with economic opportunities.
“Vandalism has cost the transport sector dearly and it is condemned with the seriousness it deserves. In this time and age, when we are talking about broadening all forms of transportation including aviation, it is shocking that there are people who still think they could burn busses,” Selamolela said on Tuesday.
Police are investigating various charges, including malicious damage to properties, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause your grievous bodily harm.
Selamolela said : “Law enforcement must leave no stone unturned in arresting and bringing to justice whoever is behind this mess. This is an economic crime and the worst form of sabotage that should never be tolerated, whatever the cause was.”
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