Two Mpumalanga men, Isaac Mabena, 36, and Luthando Skosana, 29, were arrested for allegedly torching 51 Putco buses at three depots. The pair appeared in court on 6 February 2025, to face charges related to the crimes.

The men were arrested on 28 January, and appeared in the Mdutjane Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on 30 January. The case was postponed for a formal bail application.

The arrests followed a violent spree by armed suspects in a Toyota Quantum, Mercedes-Benz Vito, and VW Polo, who went on a rampage across the Nkangala District on 27 January.

The suspects allegedly set fire to 16 buses in Moloto, within the Kwamhlanga policing precinct, and 35 in the Siyabuswa policing areas of Thabane and Maphotla.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the suspects also assaulted several employees, with a security guard sustaining a gunshot wound.

“The men arrested are believed to be involved in these incidents. Investigations are ongoing,” Mdhluli said.

The suspects face charges of malicious damage to property and robbery.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy condemned the attack, calling it economic sabotage. She instructed the department to collaborate with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) for an urgent response.

The case was postponed to 13 February for a formal bail application, and the suspects remain in custody.