MPUMALANGA – A coordinated attack on Putco bus depots across Mpumalanga has left 51 buses destroyed, leaving commuters facing significant transport disruptions and raising serious concerns about public safety. The incident, which unfolded on Monday evening, 27 January 2025, involved multiple groups of attackers targeting four depots in the Nkangala District.
According to initial reports from Putco spokesperson, Lindokuhle Xulu, the attacks began at the Moloto depot. “Initial reports indicate that on Monday evening, January 27 2025, an unknown group of assailants ambushed and bound security at the Moloto depot before setting buses alight and opening fire inside the depot,” Xulu explained.
This brazen attack resulted in injuries to two employees: “The violent attack resulted in two employees being injured – one was shot in the leg, and another was struck on the head with a chair.”
The violence wasn't confined to Moloto. The rampage spread to three other depots – Kwamhlanga, Siyabusa, and Thabana – throughout the night. In total, sixteen buses were torched in Kwamhlanga, 35 in Siyabusa, and 17 in Thabana. In Maphotla, a separate group of approximately 10 suspects assaulted a security guard before setting 18 buses ablaze.
Another group of 10 suspects were responsible for the torching of 17 buses in Thabana. Xulu confirmed that a total of 50 buses were destroyed across the affected depots: Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabuswa, and Vaalbank.
Reports suggest a high level of organisation in the attacks. Around 15 suspects, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, stormed the Moloto depot, holding employees at gunpoint before setting the buses alight.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Zeph Mkhwanazi confirmed that a dedicated team of investigators has been assembled to probe the incidents. "From what we have gathered so far, is that this incident appears to have been well orchestrated. We are confident the team that we put together…will make some arrests,” Mkhwanazi stated.
The impact on commuters is severe, as highlighted by Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo. "This incident is not only a loss for the bus company but also a severe setback for our communities who depend on this public transport service for their daily commuting," Thomo said. "The impact on our residents, particularly in the Nkangala District, cannot be overstated."
Thomo announced plans for a site visit and meeting with Putco management to address service disruptions. "This will affect commuters, and we are not sure about the operations of tomorrow (Tuesday)," he added.
Xulu echoed these concerns, emphasising the devastating consequences for commuters. "This is lawlessness at its greatest. There are platforms to engage anyone if there are grievances. We don't know who did this. We saw sporadic attacks on our depots. Law must take its cause, and these criminals be punished," Xulu said.
He further highlighted the impact on individuals' livelihoods: "This will affect commuters, leaving them destitute." Despite the extensive damage, Xulu confirmed that Putco buses are still operating in the affected areas under increased security measures.
“Despite the damage, Putco’s buses are continuing to operate in the affected areas under heightened supervision. The company is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in the ongoing investigations,” he stated.
Brazen attack leaves buses in ashes. Video Supplied#Putco #buses pic.twitter.com/MYX97LEmBU
— Daily Sun (@dailysunsa) January 27, 2025
This incident is not the first time Putco has faced such attacks. In October 2022, IOL reported that five buses were destroyed in a similar incident at the company's Nancefield depot in Johannesburg. On that occasion, unknown suspects allegedly trespassed and opened fire on security officers before setting buses alight.
At the time, Xulu stated that Putco had filed a criminal complaint with the police. The scale and coordination of the latest attacks, however, represent a significant escalation of violence against the bus company and a serious threat to public transport in Mpumalanga.
