Commuters to Pretoria could have been left stranded on Tuesday morning as 51 Putco buses were torched in Nkangala District on Monday evening.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the police have heightened visibility following an incident whereby 51 total number of Putco buses were torched in Nkangala District by a group of armed suspects driving in a white Toyota Quantum.

“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.”

He said the suspects are said to have then shot as well as injured one security guard.

Watch the video here:

Suspected arson at Putco Moloto Depot, outside Pretoria.

Several buses damaged.

“Putco regrets to confirm that a fire broke out at the Moloto depot in Mpumalanga. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the fire. Over 15 buses and parts of the depot… pic.twitter.com/iZYv9lkb0q

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) January 27, 2025

“It was during this period when the 16 buses were burnt. The injured security officer was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.”

Meanwhile, at Maphotla (Siyabuswa area), about 10 suspects attacked and assaulted a security guard and then torched the 18 buses. The security guard was also taken to hospital for medical treatment.

“At Thabana in Siyabuswa, about 10 suspects went to the bus depot then reportedly torched 17 buses.”

Operations at #Putco continue despite over 50 of its buses damaged and burnt.#Putco says operations continue under supervision. #eNCa pic.twitter.com/NhlAK3BhoG

— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) January 28, 2025

Mdhluli said the police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel were informed about the incident, and upon arrival, cases related to this horrific incident were opened.

“Police are investigating various charges, including malicious damage to properties, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause your grievous bodily harm.”

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the incident and immediately assembled a team of investigators to probe with the hope of arresting perpetrators of these heinous criminal actions.

No one has been arrested so far, and the motive thereof will form part of the investigation. The Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the suspects to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.

All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said two employees were injured during the incident and had to be treated in hospital.

“Soon thereafter, attacks were reported at the Wolwekraal and Siyabuswa depots.”

“Our service continues this morning and passengers are utilising connecting buses at our exchange points in order to get to their destinations.”

He added that the company is closely monitoring the situation.

“Authorities are investigating the incident and we appeal to members of the public who may have information on these coordinated attacks to contact their local police.”

Also read: Search for Pretoria man intensifies after vehicle found in Hennops River

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