Resident, via email writes:
Perhaps I have been living for too long in a cocoon here in the gramadoelas of the Waterberg. But last week, when my wife and I returned to the farm from a trip to Mokopane, we decided to do so via Mookgophong and Modimolle.
We were completely shocked to observe that at least for the whole distance between Mokopane and Modimolle, the overhead electric cables that power trains along the rail line have been removed. Gone! That means the line is now completely useless, all the way to Musina — unless there are some serviceable old diesel or steam locomotives around.
Parts of pylon and overhead supports are hanging at all angles, or have fallen onto the tracks. I have not seen anything about this grand theft of a national asset anywhere in the national media.
It is not something that could have happened overnight, nor could it have gone un-noticed by the rail authorities or the police.
So some level of collusion is almost certain to have occurred. There should be national outrage at this blatant theft of assets paid for by our taxes, with the negative economic consequences it has for the whole province.
I doubt whether the already dysfunctional Transnet could ever hope to restore the line to operational status.
Next, the rails themselves will start disappearing — if that has not already happened.
