Minister of Communications, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, is outraged and condemns the burning of two Metrorail trains that were torched while stationery at Germiston Station on platform 3 and 8 respectively. Government will no longer tolerate the destruction of property and infrastructure; and calls on law enforcement agencies to arrest the perpetrators responsible for this crime and ensure that they face the might of the law.
Communications Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane, said: "Government condemns and will act on all acts of violence and destruction of property. The destruction of these trains are an act of economic sabotage and has affected about 5000 commuters. It further has a significant impact on the business sector which in turn affects the economy; infrastructure expenditure, and the timely operation of services."
It is unfortunate that this incident took place at a time when authorities are working to turnaround the commuter rail system. Trains are critical infrastructure and key assets of our country and transforming rail infrastructure will have a direct impact on the country's key industries. Rail transport have over the years unlocked economic, social, and cultural doors and have connected South Africans from various parts of the country.
The cost of the damage incurred in this incident is R6.5-million and government will not allow this to continue. Such criminal acts deter the country's drive to strengthen the economy and goes against government policies. "Cable theft is also a serious matter affecting the rail sector and economic growth. This element of delinquency costs the country billions of Rands each year which affects essential services and robs the ordinary citizens and working class of their right to basic services," added Mokonyane.
In addition to the trains, government also condemns in the strongest terms the destruction of state property in the Amathole District Municipality. The destruction of infrastructure is not reflective of how citizens in a democratic state should raise and engage on challenges. These acts fly against the genuine calls of a responsive and caring government and undermine government's commitment to take service to historical disadvantaged communities.
Government calls on members of the public to be vigilant and work with the police when they have suspicions regarding cable theft and destruction of trains. An integrated intelligence driven, multipronged intervention will be rolled out starting with the priority hotspot areas and where there are genuine sustainable interventions that require consolidation.
A safer environment can be realized by working together as government, labor, civil society and business.
Issued by: Department of Communications
