Police Boost Presence After 51 Buses Torched

Police in Mpumalanga have increased their visibility in the Nkangala District following a disturbing incident on 27 January, when 51 Putco buses were set alight by a group of armed suspects travelling in a white Toyota Quantum. Of the total buses torched, 16 were destroyed in Kwamhlanga, while 35 were set on fire in Siyabuswa, including 18 in Maphotla and 17 in Thanane.

Reports indicate that approximately 15 suspects, clad in black clothing and balaclavas, stormed a bus depot in the Moloto area (Kwamhlanga). The group held employees at gunpoint before shooting and injuring one security guard. During this period, the 16 buses at the depot were set ablaze. The injured security guard was taken to hospital for medical treatment, and authorities were immediately notified of the incident.

In a separate attack in Maphotla, situated in the Siyabuswa area, about 10 suspects assaulted a security guard before setting 18 buses on fire. The injured guard was also hospitalised. At Thabana, another group of around 10 suspects torched 17 buses. Firefighters and emergency medical teams were swiftly dispatched to the scene to deal with the aftermath.

Cases of malicious damage to property, attempted murder, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm have been opened, and police are investigating the incidents thoroughly.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the attack and immediately mobilised a team of investigators to probe the incident. While no arrests have been made yet, police are working relentlessly to uncover those responsible.

“The motive for the attack remains under investigation, and we are still piecing together information to determine the full extent of the criminal activities that occurred. However, from what we have gathered so far, the attack appears to have been well-orchestrated,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.

The authorities remain confident that the investigation will soon lead to arrests. “Our team is working around the clock. I am confident that, in a short time, we will make arrests,” he continued.

The police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Members of the public are encouraged to contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or submit information via the MYSAPSAPP. All information received will be treated confidentially, and callers can choose to remain anonymous.

The attacks have left the local community shaken, and the swift response from police and emergency services has helped contain the situation. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with authorities focusing on apprehending the perpetrators and understanding the full scope of the planned attacks.

The heightened police presence in the area aims to reassure residents and ensure public safety as investigations continue into the brutal attacks on the Putco buses.