Prasa is offering a R100 000 reward to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of arsonists who set alight trains at Cape Town Station last Thursday.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa is asking members of the public to help find four arsonists caught on camera responsible for the devastating fire which destroyed two trains and damaged 18 carriages.
Prasa says the fire has cost the company R61 million, with damage to overhead cables estimated at a further R150 000.
Damage to the underlying railway tracks are yet to be determined.
WANTED: The arsonists were caught on camera footage.
Prasa Group CEO, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, says the latest arson attack will only burden the already overcrowded trains.
“Prasa has appealed to the public to help confirm the identity of the four suspects that were captured by security cameras in the act of arson,” he says.
“Prasa has put up a reward of R100 000 for information that will secure the conviction of the four suspects.
“The latest loss of capacity will exacerbate overcrowding and passenger comfort,” Sishi said.
BURDEN: Nkosinathi Sishi
Metrorail’s Regional
Manager, Richard Walker says this was a deliberate act of sabotage.
“It is not a coincidence that fires are set with intent to cause extensive damage and delays,” Walker said.
Nine platforms remain inactive since the fire, resulting in even more train delays or cancellations.
Prasa says between 2015 and 2018, a total of 174 train coaches were damaged in arson attacks.
In 2019, a total of 39 coaches were damaged.
BURNT: Cape trains
Between 2015 and November 2019, Prasa’s estimated damages due to fires totalled R643.3 million.
Metrorail spokesperson, Riana Scott, says the passenger rail service has less than 50 operational trains for the entire region.
“The operational variable regional fleet is 40 to 42 sets. We support the appeal to the public to do their civic duty to assist the police with information as the perpetrators live amongst us,” Scott said.
If you have any information contact investigator, Sergeant Williams, on 078 037 5969.
DAMAGES: Estimated cost of R643m for 213 burnt coaches.