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The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga says it has increased its visibility following an arson attack that destroyed 51 buses at a Putco depot.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said a group of “armed suspects” in a mini-bus set fire to 16 buses at KwaMhlanga, while a further 35 buses were torched at two other depots in Siyabuswa township.
“According to a report, approximately 15 suspects wearing black clothes and balaclavas stormed into a bus depot at Moloto (KwaMhlanga area) and held the employees at gunpoint.
“The suspects are said to have then shot and injured one security guard. It was during this period when the 16 buses were burnt.
“The injured security officer was taken to hospital where he is receiving medical treatment,” Brigadier Mdhluli said.
He said in the Siyabuswa area, about 10 suspects attacked and assaulted a security guard and then torched 18 buses. At the same time, at Thabana, also in the Siyabuswa location, about 10 suspects went to the bus depot and reportedly torched 17 buses.
“Police are investigating various charges, including malicious damage to properties, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause your grievous bodily harm,” he said.
The motive for these arson attacks is not yet clear, and no arrests have been made yet.
Police are appealing to the public for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.
