SIYABUSWA – The four suspects arrested by the police in connection with the torching of 51 Putco buses on January 27, 2025—an incident that cost the transport company over R250 million—appeared at Mdutjane Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Thursday, February 13, 2025. They have been identified as Isaac Mabena (36), Luthando Trevor Skosana (39), Mduduzi Masango (31), and Steven Mthombeni (27).
Two additional suspects, aged 31 and 27, were arrested by the police on February 11, 2025 in Siyabuswa, also in connection with the attack on the Putco buses. This brings the total number of arrests to four (4).
According to the charge sheet, in addition to malicious damage to property, the suspects allegedly broke into four Putco depots, assaulting two employees. One worker was struck over the head with a chair, while another was shot.
The arrests were carried out by an assigned investigation team that has been working tirelessly since the incident occurred at the end of January. The suspects are believed to have played a role in the coordinated attack on the bus fleet, which resulted in severe damage to the vehicles and posed a serious threat to public safety.
Following the first court appearance of the two additional suspects, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and the progress made in the case. “The team is working diligently to ensure that all individuals involved in this case are held accountable for their actions. The arrest of these two additional suspects is a significant step towards achieving justice and maintaining law and order in the province,” said General Mkhwanazi.
During their court appearance on Thursday, February 13, 2025, the matter was postponed to Wednesday, February 19, 2025, when they are expected to make a formal bail application. The suspects remain in custody.
