#TrainArson: Metrorail arrests 33 people in July

Share this article: Share Tweet Share Share Share Email Share

Cape Town - Metrorail Western Cape has reported that 33 arrests have been made for a range of offences during the month of July. This comes in the wake of a spate of arson attacks on carriages at stations across the city. July Number of arrests Offences SAPS Charge Offices Week 1-7 2 Attempted robbery RRPU Cape Town Week 8-14 11 In possession of dangerous weapon In possession of illegal substance Assault Cable theft Malicious damage to property Bellville Steenberg Mandalay Khayelitsha RRPU Retreat Manenberg Week 15-21 8 Possession of stolen property Damage to essential infrastructure Possession of illegal substances Theft Pinelands Lentegeur Somerset West Khayelitsha Cape Town Station Week 22- 31 11 Robbery Malicious damage to property In possession of illegal substances In possession of firearm Attempted theft Retreat Muizenberg Philippi Cape Town Brackenfell Claremont Total 33

A total of three incidents were recorded - two at Cape Town Station which affected four platforms. However, the majority of incidents were recorded in July 2018.

The spate of arson attacks prompted a Ministerial visit, stakeholder engagement and the expansion of the task team investigating the burnings. A fourth attempt was swiftly prevented on Cape Town Station on Tuesday. The approval of 100 law enforcement officers to focus on rail commuter safety and to protect infrastructure goes before a City mayoral committee today.

Regional manager Richard Walker said there has been increased vigilance and observance among employees, commuters and the public since the attacks began.

"We have received more intelligence since March this year than ever before. I commend those who do the right thing to help eradicate crime from their communities – we encourage them to continue helping us in this fight," Walker said.

Metrorail say all tip-offs will be investigated and that any information received will be treated as confidential. A reward of up to R25 000 is being offered for information leading to a successful conviction.

Should you wish to report a train incident or tip-off, contact one of the following numbers:

Metrorail Protection Services hotline - (021) 449 4336/5056

RRPU Cape Town (platform 1) - (021) 443 4325

RRPU Bellville - (021) 941 6800

RRPU Philippi /Stock Road - (021) 370 1011

RRPU Retreat - (021) 710 5129

RRPU Radio Control/ OPS room - (021) 449 4309/10

SAPS Crime Stop - 0860 10111

Crime line - SMS 32211

Cape Times



