Metrorail Western Cape continues to experience a spate of operational challenges as a result of the vandalism against its services. The recent challenges are critical fibre optic cables that have been cut resulting in major delays in operations.
According to Metrorail, the series of incidents seem deliberate and aimed to disrupt the already limited train services. The railway’s notorious northern line has been ineffective for almost three years now.
Metrorail provincial spokesperson Nana Zenani said:
“Our security teams are making arrests almost on a daily basis along with joint sting operations to various scrap metal dealerships. This unfortunately has not deterred prospective criminals from targeting not only our infrastructure but other entities such as Transnet and City of Cape Town property.
“We have deployed our technical teams to investigate the extent of the damage caused by the fibre cuts and will immediately start with repairs.”
Zenani went on to say that Metrorail has started to introduce new trains on the Cape Flats Line and on the Southern Line up to Retreat Station.
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An unidentified body was also found between Athlone and Crawford on Tuesday, November 30. According to reports, the person was fatally electrocuted while trying to steal live 11kv Metrorail lines.
“It takes 80 milliamps to stop a human heart. In this case, the deceased was hit with 1 500 milliamps.
“Metrorail had to cancel its services on Monday the 22nd due to cable theft in the same area. The cables had been fixed and switched on in anticipation of services,” Zenani adds.
In the meantime, Metrorail is urging the public to stay away from its lines and its infrastructure due to the mortal danger they present.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery