Fikile Mbalula says attack on rail transport on rise
Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula says attacks on the country's commuter rail network, remains a serious concern.
He says security-related incidents have been on the rise.
And the late arrival and departure of trains, due to rail infrastructure theft and vandalism, have led to job losses,
"This has seen security-related incidents in the rail environments increasing by 20% between 2017/18 and 2018/19 from 7 737 to 9 268.
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Since 2012/13, security-related incidents per million train kilometres increased by 175 % per million train kilometres.
Mbalula told Parliament these crimes affect everyone.
"Torching of trains, theft of signalling cable, theft of track, damage to stations and theft of equipment do not only cripple the service intended for the poor, but creates an untenable situation where the taxpayer is expected to foot the bill for replacing such stolen and damaged infrastructure."
