Johannesburg - Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Bheki Nkosi, has condemned the setting alight of a Metrorail train at Park Station, where a number of coaches were burnt by unknown people around 4am this morning.
"This act is a setback to the Department's vision of providing a world-class transport infrastructure system that is environmentally sustainable, safe, reliable, efficient and fully integrated," he said on Tuesday.
MEC Nkosi further called on anyone with information that can assist the investigation to come forward and share the information with the relevant authorities.
Nkosi has also expressed his support for Metrorail's commitment to assist in mitigating the effects of the strike by running a reduced service during peak times in Gauteng, while efforts aimed at finding a final conclusion is being pursued.
"This will indeed assist the stranded commuters who have been heavily affected by the strike," the MEC said.
The SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) had vowed to press ahead with the countrywide strike until its members get a 13 percent wage increase, as opposed to the 10 percent offered by Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa).
Its fellow union, the United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu) decided at the end of last week to accept the Prasa offer.
But Satawu represents some 56 percent of Prasa employees, which means the strike action that started last Monday still left most rail commuters stranded.
The MEC has expressed hope that an amicable solution to the salary negotiations is found sooner
