Mpumalanga police have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the torching of 51 Putco buses in Nkangala District two weeks ago. The suspects aged 31 and 33 will be making their first appearance at the Mdutjane Magistrate's Court in Siyabuswa today.

CHARGES

SAPS Mpumalanga spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the suspects have been charged with malicious damage to properties. "The arrests by the assigned team were made as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident that occurred on 28 January 2025, where several Putco buses were set on fire in Nkangala District. The suspects are believed to have been involved in the coordinated attack on the bus fleet, causing significant damage to the vehicles and posing a threat to public safety," said Mdhluli. Isaac Mabena (36) and Luthando Skosana (29) were arrested last month, two days after the incident.They appeared in court on 6 February, and their case was postponed to Thursday for a formal bail application.

COURT APPEARANCE 

Mdhluli said that further details regarding the involvement of the two suspects will be revealed during the court proceedings. The acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS, General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the arrest and the progress made thus far. "The team is working diligently to ensure that all individuals involved in the 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 Mkhwanazi.