One person has been arrested on suspicion of starting a fire on a Metrorail train at Cape Town station on Tuesday. The suspect was apprehended after an eyewitness alerted station security. “Our employees are on high alert. Their quick action today prevented another carriage going up in smoke,” said Metrorail regional manager Richard Walker.
He added that the help of the eyewitness, police and other law enforcement services were on scene and detained a suspect. The fire was extinguished before it could raze the the entire carriage, and caused damage to only a passenger seat.
This the seventh fire that was started on a Metrorail train this year, and broke out on platform 11, just minutes after platforms 13 and 14 were reopened following last Saturday’s train fire.
Last Saturday, two carriages were allegedly torched on platforms 15 and 16 – the same platforms where a fire broke out on one train on Saturday, 21 July.
This latest attempt at setting a train alight happened while Metrorail and police officers were having a meeting in their control room about a security plan when the fire broke out.
“We have received more intelligence since March this year than ever before. I commend those who do the right thing to help eradicate crime from their communities – we encourage them to continue helping us in this fight,” Walker said.
Metrorail Western Cape has reported that 33 arrests were made for a range of offences during July.
There has been a month of unprecedented train torching. This month, three incidents were recorded – two at Cape Town Station affecting four platforms.
“The spate prompted a Ministerial visit, stakeholder engagement and the expansion of the task team investigating the burnings. A fourth attempt was swiftly prevented yesterday on Cape Town Station,” said Riana Scott, Metrorail spokesperson.
| July | Number of arrests | Offences | SAPS Charge Offices |
| Week 1-7 | 2 | Attempted robbery | RRPU Cape Town |
| Week 8-14 | 11 | In possession of dangerous weapon
In possession of illegal substance Assault Cable theft Malicious damage to property
|
Bellville
Steenberg Mandalay Khayelitsha RRPU Retreat Manenberg |
| Week 15-21 | 8 | Possession of stolen property
Damage to essential infrastructure Possession of illegal substances Theft |
Pinelands
Lentegeur Somerset West Khayelitsha Cape Town Station |
| Week 22- 31 | 11 | Robbery
Malicious damage to property In possession of illegal substances In possession of firearm Attempted theft |
Retreat
Muizenberg Philippi Cape Town Brackenfell Claremont |
| Total | 33 |
All tip-offs are investigated and information received treated as confidential. A reward of up to R25 000 is payable for information leading to a successful conviction. The following numbers may be contacted:
Metrorail Protection Services hot-line – (021) 449 4336/5056
SAPS Crime Stop – 0860 10111
Crime line – Sms 32211
Picture: Twitter