POLOKWANE – On Saturday night, it is believed that the residents of Jackie made a small fire in the train to keep warm, however, the fire got out of hand and the train proceeded to burn. Damage can be seen on the train but Municipality Spokesperson Matshidiso Mothapo says the municipality, through its cultural services has the responsibility to restore the damaged train.
Jackie is one of three locomotives which can be found in Polokwane. The train, engine number 1166, class 8CW was built in 1903 and was donated in 1972 by the South African Railways to be placed in Polokwane.
“This train is part of the historic arts items that are placed in our parks. This is the second time that it has been burnt. A palisade fencing was erected to safeguard the park and the train a few years ago,” he says. Mothapo says a security services unit has tried their best to drive away people who use the train to shield themselves from harsh weather conditions and continues to do so. “The security services will advice on further security that can be implemented to ensure the train is kept safe at night,” says Mothapo.
