State adds more charges against two Mpumalanga men accused of torching 51 Putco buses

JOHANNESBURG  - The State has added more charges against two Mpumalanga men accused of torching 51 Putco buses, aiming for the toughest possible sentence.

Isaac Mabena and Luthando Skosana were arrested last month after police linked them to four depots where buses, service vehicles and property were set alight.

Damage from the attacks is estimated at R65 million.

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The two are back in the Siyabuswa Magistrates Court on Thursday, seeking bail.

Both men looked shaken as they entered a packed courtroom.

The seriousness of their charges means their bail application falls under Schedule 6 — the harshest category under South African law.

They face charges of arson, aggravated robbery, malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The assault charge was recently added to strengthen the case against them.

“The accused did intentionally and unlawfully assault Miss Phindile Mahlangu, by pushing her against the table and kicking her with the intent of causing her grievous bodily harm.”

Despite the gravity of the charges, they are pushing ahead with their bail bid.