Alleged criminals set Putco buses on fire.
The incident was confirmed by Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu, noting that over 14 buses had been set on fire by a group of criminals who were armed. According to Xulu, the situation is ongoing, and police are on the lookout around the depots in Mpumalanga.
Xulu stated that their security personnel at the Moloto depot were overpowered by the alleged criminals, who tied them up and fired several bullets—shooting one of their employees in the foot while hitting another with a chair in the face. Both employees were transported to a local hospital.
Additionally, Xulu strongly denounced the burning of buses, pointing out that this incident will hinder people from getting to work. He described the incident as “lawlessness at its greatest,” further encouraging people to use one of the available platforms to lay their complaints. The motive and people behind this act are still not known. According to Xulu, they witnessed repeated strikes on their depots, and they want to see justice prevail and the offenders punished.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Xulu said that in Moloto, there had been brewing tensions between the taxi industry and Putco—some taxi members had previously prevented their buses from operating now and again; however, they thought they had the situation under control. Moreover, he said he connot certainly confirm that the taxi industry is behind the incident, but they are hopeful that the police will look into the matter closely.
Putco’s operations department is working toward adjusting its operations, and it may take up to a couple of days or weeks. Only two injuries, not related to the fire, were reported, and some of the buses that were not affected were moved away from the fire.
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