Transnet is investigating allegations of ‘ghost trains’, implicating some Transnet employees and third parties.
Transnet spokesperson Ayanda Shezi said the parastatal was investigating the phenomenon, which involved its trains being run without being formally scheduled, with the result that revenue did not flow to Transnet.
“Considering that these serious allegations have not yet been accompanied by supporting evidence, Transnet has referred the allegations for independent investigation,” said Shezi.
“In the course of the investigation, the whistle-blowers, implicated persons and relevant customers mentioned will all be approached for statements,” she said.
Shezi said the parastatal would “act swiftly” against perpetrators if the allegations proved to be correct. Meanwhile, Transnet’s mainline services on the iron ore corridor to Saldanha Bay, which were shut on Thursday, reopened at the weekend.
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) said in a statement that operations had been suspended just before noon, due to extreme weather conditions in the Western and Northern Cape.
“Strong wind conditions caused the top-mounted electrical gear of a locomotive to become entangled in the overhead cables. This resulted in damage to 600 metres of overhead track equipment. Three Transnet Freight Rail employees had to be airlifted when they were stranded in an inaccessible area,” TFR said.
TFR suffered further damage when thunderstorms with heavy downpours, hail and high winds led to flash floods sweeping through road infrastructure, cutting off access to a 150 km section of the railway reserve.
Staff worked around the clock to restore the line and managed to clear the track and get cargo moving on Saturday morning.
