Torching of Shosholoza Meyl coaches to cost an estimated R90 million
Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula, has described the torching of Shosholoza Meyl coaches in Bloemfontein as a “pure act of criminality.”
This comes after 24 Shosholoza Meyl coaches were set alight in the Free State capital on Saturday afternoon.
The Department of Transport spokesperson, Ayanda Allie-Paine says the coaches were out of service and earmarked for refurbishment when they were set alight.
“Security personnel noticed a group of young men at the yard and removed them from the property. The youths later returned and set fire to two coaches,” says Allie Paine.
The torching of the coaches is estimated cost taxpayers close to R90 million.
Allie-Paine says the train services have not been disrupted.
However, the fire has affected rolling stock availability and damaged critical cables at the depot.
Listen to Allie-Paine below: