Putco on Monday condemned the burning of 22 buses and the damage done to 20 by angry protestors in Moloto Road in KwaMhlanga.
”We condemn [it] in the strongest possible terms. Management witnessed with shock how R36-million worth of public transport went up in smoke,” said Putco management in a statement.
The company applauded the police for their ”swift action” in apprehending 15 perpetrators of this ”heinous act” and appealed to the public to come forward with more information, so that all those responsible for this act could face the full might of the law.
A Putco delegation has met with the mayor to work out ways on how to bring the situation to normality.
”Indications are that in between 10 and 12 days the operation will be fully functional,” it said.
”Tickets will continue to be sold at Marabastad, Denneboom, Eastlyne, Big Tree and Kwaggafontein plaza.”
The protesters blocked the R573 at about 7am and went on a rampage after bus ticket sellers failed to sell tickets at the weekend.
This left hundreds of commuters stranded and traffic was disrupted most of the day.
Putco spokesperson Matlakala Mothwa said the company had valid reasons for not sending workers to sell tickets in KwaMhlanga. — Sapa