A group of young men are suspected of arson following the torching of 24 Shosholoza Meyl carriages in Bloemfontein at the weekend according to the Ministry of Transport.
The men were removed from the yard after being spotted by security personnel, before returning and setting fire to two coaches. The fire spread and caused a great deal of destruction, with estimates nearing the R90 million mark.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has condemned the torching, calling for an immediate investigation and the harshest action against those found guilty. He said the attack was purely an act of criminality.
Despite the destruction, the ministry confirmed that the majority of the services had not been affected by the fire.
“Services have not been disrupted, however the fire has affected rolling stock availability and damaged critical cables at the depot.” Investigations into the matter are still ongoing, with no arrests made yet. – Bjorn Vorster
