By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
1 October 2024- The North West MEC Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has implored on police to expedite investigations into what appears to be an arson. This comes after 23 buses belonging to Bojanala Bus Company based in Rustenburg, were found gutted by fire this morning.
Morweng said he is imploring on the police officers to leave no stone unturned in the investigation of Bojanala Bus fire that was reported this morning, from the company’s two depots. He further said two cases of malicious damage to property were reported to Phokeng Police Station in the early hours of this morning, 1 October 2024.
“It is alleged that the fire erupted at Bojanala Bus Company’s two depots and completely gutted a total of 23 buses. According to reports, six buses were destroyed by fire at Chaneng and 17 at Tlaseng depots.
“The company estimates the loss to be around R69 million. We further appeal to the members of the public to assist the police with any information that can assist them on their investigation,” said Morweng.
He added that they do have trust in the police to investigate this matter. Morweng said, however, it is important for the members of the public to also assist with whatever nuggets of information they may have.
“It is an unfortunate incident that at some point will affect community members, who rely on these buses that transport them on a daily basis. We strongly condemn the incident.
“The Bojanala Bus Company is one of the two bus companies that provide subsidised commuter transport services in the Bojanala District,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said: “Anyone who may have information that can assist the police with the investigation can contact the Investigating Officer, Captain Johannes Montsho of Phokeng Detectives on 076 834 3531 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.”
The Guardian 