KEY POINTS
- Two suspects appeared in court over the Putco bus arson attack.
- Police believe more suspects were involved in the R250 million ($13.5 million) damage.
- Putco says the arrests may reveal the motive behind the attack.
Two suspects, Steven Sipho Ndlovu and Mduduzi Luvuyo Msimango, appeared in the Mdutjane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. They faced charges in connection with the arson attack on Putco buses last month.
Their court appearance follows their arrest on Tuesday in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga. Police say they are part of a group responsible for torching 50 buses, causing an estimated R250 million in damages.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, the case has been postponed to Thursday for legal representation.
Investigators uncover details behind the attack
Authorities believe the attack was a coordinated operation carried out by a group of armed individuals.
Reports indicate that the attackers arrived in a Quantum minibus and a sedan, targeting Putco’s four depots in the Nkangala District on January 28, 2025.
During the attack, the suspects allegedly held employees at gunpoint, assaulted some staff members, and shot a security guard.
Moreover, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdluli confirmed that the two arrested suspects are facing charges of malicious damage to property.
According to IOL, police continue to investigate two other suspects believed to have played a major role in the incident.
Putco welcomes arrests, hopes for more answers
Putco has expressed relief at the arrests, hoping they will shed light on the motive behind the attack.
Company spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said the company is back in operation, having deployed 50 replacement buses to cover affected routes in Mpumalanga.
“We welcome the news of these arrests and hope they will help uncover the motive and identify the people behind this coordinated attack,” said Xulu.
Authorities have also warned that anyone found protecting or assisting the suspects could face arrest.
