Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has condemned yesterday’s malicious and deliberate destruction of transport property and disruption of transport services.
"We condemn the malicious and deliberate destruction of transport property and disruption of services," Ndebele said. "No matter how serious an issue may be perceived to be, there cannot be any justification for damage to property and injury or loss of life."
Major damage and disruptions were caused to bus and train services costing millions of rands yesterday, 23 June alone.
It was reported that three Putco buses were set on fire and a bus driver injured in Dobsonville, Soweto during a commuter protest.
Two coaches were destroyed at Heathfield station in Cape Town when they were set alight.
Metrorail train service was also severely disrupted in Johannesburg yesterday morning, as a result of the burning of 46 electricity cables, situated under the Simons Street Bridge, crucial to the electrification and safe running of trains in and around Johannesburg.
"Government is currently investing billions of rands to ensure safe, efficient, reliable and affordable public transport," Ndebele said. "The cost of replacing and restoring equipment and services amounts to millions of rands, and could be better spent on improving current transport services. Moreover these acts not only affect the quality and efficiency of transport services and inconvenience commuters, but also put innocent people's lives at risk.
"We call upon the South African Police to leave no stone unturned in their investigations, and to ensure that those responsible for these blatant criminal acts are speedily brought to book. We also call upon members of the public who may have any information on these acts to immediately report it to the Police.
"While Government remains committed to ensuring that the concerns of commuters and operators are addressed, violence and intimidation as a means of highlighting grievances is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, especially at a time when government is engaged in constructive discussions with transport stakeholders. While we are seeking lasting solutions, the right of citizens to efficient, reliable, safe and affordable public transport will remain paramount.
We wish to assure commuters that the Department of Transport is doing everything possible to ensure that transport services operate as normal in all areas.
"Consolidated multi-billion rand improvements by government to transport infrastructure over the next two years are guaranteed to radically change the way South Africans travel. Amounting to R66-billion over the next year, and rising to R80 billion by 2013/14, the improvements are set to also create numerous job and tourism opportunities, with both urban and rural areas benefitting," Ndebele said.
Metrorail would like to appeal to the public to report any acts of crime or vandalism on 011 774 8566/7/8 or toll free 0800 12 70 70.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Minister Ndebele condemns destruction of property and disruption of services
