2 men arrested in connection with torching of Putco buses to apply for bail

SIYABUSWA - Two men arrested in connection with the torching of 51 Putco buses will apply for bail on Thursday.  

Isaac Mabena and Luthando Skosana were arrested in January after police linked them to the destruction of part of the Putco fleet at four of its Mpumalanga depots.  

In addition to the charges of arson, the pair is accused of injuring two Putco employees in their bout of rage.  

According to the bus operator, one employee was shot in the leg, while another was struck on the head with a chair.  

Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy labelled the incident an act of economic sabotage.  

With their matter on the court roll, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the province said it will be opposing their release on bail.