Sne Masuku

Sne Masuku

Hundreds of commuters were left stranded at Lindelani, north of Durban, after seven buses belonging to the Siyabonga bus company were set on fire at a depot yesterday.

The buses were parked near Newlands East. They were set ablaze shortly after midnight.

The company owns the biggest fleet of buses in the area. They operate between Lindelani and Durban.

The motive for the attack has not yet been established.

Siyabonga's manager, Dinesh Dipchund, said the company's entire bus fleet had been gutted.

"Our guard saw the arsonists enter the depot. There were five of them and they were armed.

"They entered the premises just after midnight and threw petrol bombs on to the vehicles.

"We don't know the motive. We are just as confused as the police," said Dipchund.

He said fire fighters saved only two vehicles that could be repaired and put back on the road.

Police spokesman Muzi Mngomezulu said the damage from the fire-bombing amounted to R2million.