News24 reports that more than 40 buses were damaged and two employees injured during arson attacks at four Putco depots in Mpumalanga on Monday night.
The depots were set alight, confirmed Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu. One of the employees injured in the attacks was shot in the leg, and another was struck on the head with a chair. Initially, the company had said that around 15 buses had been damaged during an attack at its Moloto depot in Mpumalanga. But, Xulu later indicated: "The rampage spread throughout the night, with additional depots reporting buses set on fire. In total, approximately 47 buses were burned across the following affected depots: Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabushwa, and Vaalbank." He added that, despite the damage, Putco's buses would still operate in the affected areas, but under heightened supervision. Mpumalanga Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC Thulasizwe Thomo said he was particularly concerned about the "effect this destruction will have on passengers who rely on the Putco bus service to access various employment and services across the district". He called on law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicole McCain at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)
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