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Just days after Metrorail reinstated its train service between Fish Hoek and Simon’ Town, it has opened a case of malicious damage to property after a group of youth allegedly stoned a train.
According to Metrorail acting spokesperson Nana Zenani, the incident occurred at Steenberg Station on Tuesday 4 January.
“Metrorail has opened a case of malicious damage to property after youth were seen throwing stones at the passing new train on its way to Fish Hoek.
“The incident happened at Steenberg Station and we have activated all our leaders on the ground to see whether we can get to the bottom of the vandalism.”
She added that the cost of vandalism is estimated to be approximately R20 000 to fix the window shattered on the driver’s side.
“Metrorail is maintaining a hawkish stance against such acts of senseless behaviour towards government assets managed by Metrorail.”
In October last year, Metrorail suspended its services between Retreat and Fish Hoek stations due to vandalism. The damage was valued at R1 million.
“The damage to the mast poles and overhead electrical lines was estimated at approximately one million rand.
“The illicit copper trade is thriving with impunity with copper pricing on the market at between R80 and R90 per kg.
“This is the source of the problem and why criminals are targeting and vandalising our infrastructure,” said Zenani.
On Tuesday 4 January, Metrorail announced its services to be resumed between Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town from Wednesday 5 January.
“The resumption of service means all stations beyond Retreat Station are now fully operational from Cape Town all the way to Simon’s Town, a total of 29 stations.”
Metrorail will be operating the yellow-and-grey trains at peak and the new trains during off-peak service.
“Extensive repair works have been done to various Metrorail assets due to vandalism.
“The stoning of trains adds another layer of difficulty in delivering services and is therefore intolerable to Metrorail,” added Zenani.
Meanwhile, four people were arrested on Thursday 6 January, for cable theft along the N1 freeway.
The three suspects were found with five metre cables and digging tools. Goodwood Neighbourhood Watch assisted in apprehending the suspects.
Richard Walker, Regional Manager at Metrorail Western Cape, said rail infrastructure is targeted daily.
“Metrorail manages passenger rail on behalf of the people of the Western Cape. Our efforts however are being destroyed daily by the senseless attack not only on our electrical lines and infrastructure, but all users of high voltage electricity such as Transnet and the City of Cape Town.
“The criminals learnt a big lesson that Prasa Security, Railway Police, Private Security and most especially, our Neighbourhood Watch groups and communities will not allow the senseless destruction and criminality against rail infrastructure.”
