FIVE Putco buses were in flames after a group of suspicious men were spotted at the depot.
The incident happened at about 9pm on Sunday, 31 October, at the Nancefield Putco depot in Eldorado Park, south of Joburg.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Putco spokesman Lindokuhle Xulu said the buses may have been set alight by a group of unidentified men spotted in the depot.
“Our security team reported that they saw several people at the depot they couldn’t identify and upon approaching them, they fired shots and fled.
“The team then realised there were buses that were burning after the men fled.” Xulu said they were not yet sure of the cost of the damage caused.
“All of the five buses that were burnt belonged to a sub-contractor. Fortunately, there are no injuries. We have reported this matter to the police,” he said.
Gauteng police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said cops have opened a case of malicious damage to property and are looking for the suspects.
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Masondo said it was reported that one suspect was seen at the premises just before the buses were set alight.
“Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation to call their nearest police station or CrimeStop on 08600 10111,” he said. The SunTeam went to the depot but were refused entry. But, we spoke to one of the drivers who said he doesn’t know what may have caused the fire but they suspect that it was an intruder.
“The fire started at about 9pm. There seems to be a guy who jumped inside the depot and started the fire,” said the driver.
