
Two suspects were arrested last night in connection with the 51 Public Utility Transport Corporation (Putco) bus arson in Nkangala district on Monday night.
The Mpumalanga police made a breakthrough in the case, arresting two men aged 29 and 37, on Tuesday night, who are allegedly involved in the attack.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli explained the source of this arrest.
Their arrest emanates after a group of armed individuals driving a white Toyota Quantum, Vito Minibus, and a VW Polo set fire to the buses at various Putco bus depots in the area. This resulted in the destruction of 15 buses in Moloto and 35 buses in Siyabuswa policing precinct at Thabane and Maphotla.
Several Putco employees were injured in the incident, with one security guard sustaining a gunshot injury. The police reported that he is receiving medical care. Several more employees sustained injuries after being repeatedly assaulted.
One of the suspects was found in possession of a cellphone that belongs to one of the victims and a magazine for a 9mm pistol without ammunition.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, praised the quick response of SAPS in locating and arresting the suspects. He expressed confidence in the investigation and suggested that further arrests could follow. He added that the team’s progress was encouraging and hoped for continued success.