Cape Town – Metrorail has reportedly opened a case of malicious damage to property after a group of youths stoned its new train between Steenberg and Fish Hoek railway stations in Cape Town.
According to News24, the driver of the train escaped unhurt after the youths hit the driver’s cabin window with a stone.
The damaged train will have to be taken out of service while it undergoes repairs, causing further disruptions to train services, the report said.
The cost of the damage is estimated to be roughly R20 000.
This incident comes after Extensive repair works have been done to various Metrorail assets due to vandalism.
“The stoning of trains adds another layer of difficulty in the delivery of services and is intolerable to Metrorail, the report quoted acting spokesperson for the rail service Nana Zenani as saying.
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According to IOL, Metrorail has requested members of the public with information on the stoning incident to call them at 080 021 0081.
It also encourages residents to protect the trains from vandalism.
However, it issued a stern warning to those committed to vandalising the public assets, saying it will maintain a “hawkish stance” against such acts of behaviour.
“Metrorail is appealing to local parents, local leadership and local authorities to protect the people’s assets. The assets were bought and are being maintained using taxpayer monies. Metrorail will therefore relentlessly pursue the perpetrators of such vandalism,” the report quoted Zenani as saying.
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
