Recent vandalism in Nyanga cost Metrorail R2.2 million

Loyiso Langeni
31 July 2014

Metrorail in the Western Cape said the current incident of vandalism between Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Mitchell’s Plain has cost about R2.2 million.  25 critical areas were damaged and services on the central line have been suspended. 

A group of people vandalized a signal cables causing major disruptions since yesterday. 

Regional Manager Richard Walker said this vandalism incident has caused major chaos to the system. 

Walker said in the interest of operational safety ensuring that we recover and repair equipment the damage of equipment.

“Still operating, we have decided to suspend between Khayelitsha and Nyanga as well as Mitchell’s plain. We spill over from our stations in the affected line they will then be taken care of by MyCiti ramping up to ensure that commuters who want to use services can use it as well as the arrangement we had with Golden Arrow.” Walker added.

Meanwhile Walker said this is a criminal act because these people deliberately vandalized the signal cables. 

Metrorail has laid criminal charges and Walker said they are confident that these criminals will be arrested soon.  

Eleven stations had to be closed down due to intimidation.

He explained that these criminals were caught in the act by our own patrols while they were busy at night, firing shots at own staff. There are charges of attempted murder that’s been laid by our staff as well as malicious damage to property.

“Yesterday Morning I have gone to Philippi East police station and laid a charge of sabotage. I’m quite confident through the efforts and the work of police the net is closing on these criminals,” Walker said.