Arsonists hit Metrorail trains

By Nadia Samie

A metrorail train en-route from Kapteinsklip to Cape Town was set alight yesterday, allegedly by about 300 striking workers from the cleaning sector. It is believed that those responsible are members of the South African Transport and Allied workers Union (SATAWU).

Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott says that the train was set slight at about twenty-to-twelve yesterday afternoon. It took emergency services two and a half hours to extinguish the blaze. Trains operating on the Khayelitsha, Monte Vista and Bellville via Lavis Town lines were delayed until the damaged train was removed.

SATAWU spokesperson Evan Abrahams has meanwhile denied that it is SATAWU members that is responsible. The police's Captain Elliot Sinyangan says that no arrests have yet been made, and a case of malicious damage to property has been opened.
Anyone with information on the incident, or who witnessed the incident, is asked to contact crime-stop on 08600-10111.