Frustrated – one of a few choice words that can be used to describe Cape Town commuters this morning. This, after at least 10 Metrorail carriages were destroyed at the Cape Town Station by suspected arsonists over the weekend. The rail operator’s Riana Scott says no one was injured as a result of the fire on two trains, but disruptions to Metrorail services can be expected as a result.
Police are apparently investigating the incident, but one has to wonder about what this has in connection with a failed strike attempt by the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) last week.
Do you smell smoke? A train’s on fire at Cape Town Station. pic.twitter.com/Kd3R4eIdQf
— CapeTalk (@CapeTalk) April 9, 2016
One also has to wonder about how poor Metrorail’s security operations are to allow for the burning of two trains in the middle of the busiest train station in the city. This wasn’t a chance fire on an isolated piece of track out in the Cape Winelands, this can only be described as an orchestrated attack on the main rail transport hub of Cape Town?
And what is the City of Cape Town doing to help this situation? No less than 20 train coaches were lost to fire in 2015, so this isn’t the first time arsonists have had their way. We’re continuously hearing promises of an integrated transport system that will merge the failing Metrorail services with the ever-growing MyCiti bus network. I realise there are lots of stakeholders involved, and the wheels of bureaucracy turn very, very slowly. But when will enough be enough?
Cape Town station – Train carriages on fire – #whoisresponsible ? pic.twitter.com/XARdyGAqDz
— ♬sᴉoɔuɐɹℲ☯ (@FrancoisCTown) April 9, 2016
Hundreds of thousands of train commuters now have to make alternative arrangements to get to work; arriving late, receiving warnings from their employers (because you know this isn’t the first time). Is someone going to have to die in an arson-related incident for city authorities to finally take fixing our trains seriously?
I certainly hope not.
Photography courtesy
CapeTownEtc it was hectic this morning trains were late and full on the southern suburbs line got to town 20 minutes later than usual
Destroying our country as usual. This does not help the country grow. When will people understand this.
No. Train was 15min late but that’s normally just how bad the service is lately.
As hulle wil afbrand, laat hulle loop!!!
Metrorail’s service delivery is generally pathetic, cancellations, late etc etc. Made no difference.
Do these destructive people realise what they are doing to the thousands of people who usuue the trains/public transport? Never mind what they are doing to businesses in general especially SMME’s.
Alas, more barbaric behaviour….
No reason to burn it down though
Nick Fynn the fire we saw?
I know! Didn’t say it was. Just a normal day for me using their services. Made peace with coming late.
There is just no respect for anything, anymore..a country being driven into chaos
They’ve had this happen before. Surely during a strike they should have extra security at the stations. There seems to be no vision, never any preparedness. Losing millions when a few security cameras and extra guards may have prevented this…or at least helped to identify the perpetrators…
Probably the same people who started all the fires during the summer.
Yes I agree with you. They will eventually die from their own filth and destruction.
Dit is hoekom hulle niks van niks het nie, vernietig en breek af dit hulle uitgangspunt. Het geen idee wat die waarde van geld of eiendom is nie.
Lack of self-respect. No education would help. It is their way of life.
I can’t deal.. always delayed always something!!
Theres always problems with #metrorail whether trains are on fire or not! Their service is pathetic
I smell a rat in Something Fishy !
Im sitting at Strand station IN A MUCH SHORTER TRAIN 5H40. Tuesday
Lord have mercy on our country!!!
Left work at 15:45 got home at 18:45, on a trip that usually only takes 20 minutes U0001f62c
So pathetic,its proberly there own members taking revenge frm there strike,if caught put them in jail4 ten years @throw away the keys
Does anyone know exactly how many trains/carriages have been burnt over the last twelve months? Certainly a lot more than just this last incident…the financial and commuter cost is too much….
Did you stop at the shop?
Stupid idiots, set yourself on fire!!
Nothing new metrorail sucks.
They don’t care. EFF mentality, like at varsities.
When will the people who do this be classified as terrorists,because that’s what they are trying to bring this country down weather it is political or not it is terrorism against the people of the state and country.
Is there any form of security at train stations? There used to be a SA Railway Police Force, I assume they no longer exist?
I blame dipuo peters
The level of security at any metrorail station is basically nonexistent…no matter the time of day.
There are plenty of police patrolling in and around Cape Town Station.
Sies. Dis nie net die brandstiger wat die treine ry nie!
NO BRAINS TO UNDERSTAND
I agree whole heartedly
Who is creating this chaos to bring our country down. ..outside forces no doubt
Its the form of protest nowaydays. If I dont get what I want I destroy the thing that pisses me off. Just no middle ground. I just destroy. But I must be paid end of month, ne.
Again. Pathetic and sad U0001f614
Good to hear but still these acts of vandalism occur disruptinng services and inconveniencing the commuters.
Only by thieves of power lines
Only advice I keep giving my children is save up and go and explore and live overseas!!!
Election time. EFF and ANC wants the Cape. That is how they work. Create Chaos.