The over 100 years of memories etched into the platforms of Roodepoort train station are slowly fading away. A fire gutted the station on 6 December and the various stakeholders have offered an explanation.
Read initial article here: WATCH: Roodepoort train station gutted by fire
Rail Safety Regulator Media and Communications Executive, Madelein Williams, suggested a sinister motive behind the act. “We believe it is a malicious damage to property case, but unfortunately this is not something we investigate. It will be handled by the police,” she said. Rail Safety Regulator has a mandate to regulate matters relating to commuter safety, not the protection of physical infrastructure.
Spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg Emergency Services, Robert Mulaudzi, confirmed his crews were on scene, elaborating that this was not an isolated incident. “We did respond to the fire incident on Sunday. Lately we have had a number of fire incidents at the station, which are alleged to be caused by cable thieves,” he explained.
Lillian Mofokeng, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) spokesperson, was more detailed, saying, “We are aware of the fire that destroyed Roodepoort train station. This is a serious cause for concern as it is adding to the escalating unprecedented levels of theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure across Gauteng.
“An investigation is under way to determine the real cause of the fire. The building is completely destroyed and the cost is currently estimated to be above R20 million, considering the fact that it is a heritage building. We suspect acts of criminality and condemn this in the strongest possible terms. Anyone with information that can help get leads to information are encouraged to talk to law-enforcement agencies and PRASA protection services,” she added.
