Tens of thousands of train commuters delayed in Soweto
Close to 60 000 Metrorail commuters are affected by cable theft in Soweto on Wednesday morning.
Metrorail's Lillian Mofokeng says overhead wires were cut and stolen between the Dube and Ikhwezi train stations.
"As a result, trains cannot move through to and from Johannesburg directions until technicians are able to replace the stolen cable," says Mofokeng.
She adds the whole Soweto area will experience major disruptions.
"This disruption will negatively affect more than 60 000 (sixty thousand) train commuters' travelling experience in Naledi, New Canada and Karzene West corridor which are our key operational areas in Soweto."
Metrorail has arranged for buses as an alternative means of transport for loyal monthly and weekly ticket holders.
According to Mofokeng, the buses will prioritise school pupils who are writing exams.
Mofokeng says Metrorail cannot at this point ascertain when the corridor will be back online, however technicians are on the scene to assess damages and to start replacing the stolen cables.
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