Mpumalanga police have confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the torching of 51 Putco buses in the Nkangala District earlier this week.
Two suspects arrested in connection with Putco arson attack
The suspects, aged 29 and 37, were taken into custody on Tuesday evening, following a coordinated operation led by Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi.
The suspects were allegedly part of a group of armed individuals who launched an attack on Putco bus depots on Monday night, 27 January 2025.
The assailants, who arrived in a white Toyota Quantum, a Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus, and a VW Polo, set fire to 16 buses at the Moloto depot and an additional 35 buses in Siyabuswa.
The attack left multiple Putco employees injured, with one security guard sustaining a gunshot wound and currently receiving medical treatment.
Police reports indicate that the suspects were dressed in black clothing and wore balaclavas during the attack.
They allegedly held employees at gunpoint while executing the arson, before fleeing the scene.
Evidence collected linking suspects to the attack
Authorities believe they have gathered substantial evidence linking the suspects to the crime.
During their arrest, one of the suspects was found in possession of a cellphone belonging to a victim of the attack, as well as a magazine for a 9mm pistol, although no ammunition was recovered.
The police are confident that the two men played a direct role in the coordinated arson attack and are continuing investigations to uncover further details about their involvement.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Mkhwanazi praised the swift action of the SAPS team and hinted at more arrests in the coming days.
“We are encouraged by the achievement made so far, and we hope that the team will continue to bring more results going forward,” he said.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon, where they will face multiple charges, including arson, assault, and possession of an illegal firearm magazine.