No trains between Pretoria and Johannesburg this morning
Arrangements for buses are underway for loyal ticket holders to assist them with alternative transport between Olifantsfontein and Irene stations
The Metrorail train service running between Pretoria and Johannesburg had been disrupted on Wednesday morning due to overhead catenary wires being cut and stolen at Irene.
As a result trains cannot move through to and from Pretoria until technicians are able to replace the stolen cable, Metrorail said in a statement on Wednesday morning.
“It is now the second day in a row that thousands of commuters’ traveling experience is affected due to cable theft in this corridor. Of great concern is the fact that the criminals are now targeting both lines to make sure the railway system is paralysed during peak period operation, said Goodman Matampi, Acting Provincial Manager Gauteng Metrorail.
“We call on support from local government and law enforcement agencies to help us tighten all efforts in fighting this criminality which may soon lead to the collapse of the railway services and negatively affect the economy of the province.”
Arrangements for buses are underway for loyal ticket holders to assist them with alternative transport between Olifantsfontein and Irene stations.
Metrorail technicians are at the affected areas assessing damage with a view to start replacing the stolen cables.
Metrorail management apologises for the inconvenience caused and pleads with commuters and employers to be patient as Metrorail technicians replace the stolen cables.
Commuters are urged to report any criminality witnessed within the operational area to Protection Services officials at stations and nearby police stations.
