The chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport, Donald Selamolela, has denounced the arson attacks on dozens of buses on Monday evening and night as economic sabotage. Initial media reports stated that 47 buses, all belonging to the Putco company, had been set on fire. Later reports increased the number to 50. The attacks had occurred at a number of depots in Mpumalanga province. 

“Law enforcement must leave no stone unturned in arresting and bringing to justice whoever is behind this mess,” he asserted. “This is an economic crime and the worst form of sabotage that should never be tolerated, whatever the cause was.”

He called on Putco to also investigate the attacks, to ascertain who was behind them. He further described the arson as senseless, and as destroying the services people needed to connect with economic opportunities.

“Vandalism has cost the transport sector dearly and it is condemned with the seriousness it deserves,” he stated. In a time when the discussions were about widening access to all forms of transport, it was “shocking” that there were still those who believed that they could destroy busses.

“It is a sad day in South Africa,” he lamented. “Our rail transportation is challenged throughout the country, but government is working hard to have trains back on rails, yet we are experiencing this kind of uncouthness.”

He assured that the committee would always support the peaceful settlement of disputes and challenges. He reaffirmed the commitment of the committee to public transport that was safe, affordable and efficient.