Pretoria - The smooth running of trains in the Western Cape have been temporarily withdrawn due to bad weather conditions.
Train operator Metrorail on Thursday temporarily withdrew 14 of its train-sets running in the Western Cape due to extreme weather conditions and vandalism.
Regional Manager of Metrorail in the province, Lindelo Matya, said the recurring problems on certain train-sets have forced the operator to completely withdraw the problematic sets from service for emergency repairs.
"Investigations revealed that extraordinarily blustery winds and excessively high temperatures have contributed to hook-ups, leading to the earlier-than-anticipated depletion of stock levels," he said.
However, Matya said maintenance crews have been working around the clock to fix the broken trains.
"We have expedited the replenishment of the needed stock items and our crews' main focus will be to repair trains as fast as they can. We expect that by the end of next week, some if not all the trains, will be back in service," he said.
A spate of recent vandalism has interrupted Metrorail's services. Rail clips, multi-core signal cables, track circuits, apparatus cases, copper bond, cabling in train roofs, jumper cables between carriages, signal heads (lights) and connector cables, strip point machine motors and cabling are most sought after.
The majority of items stolen are unique to the rail industry and not readily available in the open market.
Metrorail has appealed to scrap dealers to not only decline, but to report the offer of such items if approached.
"It is almost certain that such items have been removed illegally. Official and lawful disposal of scrap will be accompanied by a certificate of origin and confirmation that it was sold legitimately," he said.
Matya appealed to commuters and communities adjacent to rail lines to be vigilant and to report all forms of vandalism.
"We really need the public to support our efforts to keep the train service reliable by acting as our eyes and ears," he said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to report it anonymously to SAPS Crime Line 08600 10111; Crime tip-offs SMS 32211; or call Transport Information Centre 24/7 0800 65 64 63.
