The derailment of a coal train on Transnet's North Corridor has taken place"against a backdrop of threats and disruptions to the company’s operations by disgruntled groupings seeking business opportunities", the state-owned company has said.
In recent years, South Africa has seen the rise of mafia-type groups in various sectors, with business forums and other groups demanding parts of tenders or contracts amid threats of violence. "Heavy rains overnight have hampered recovery operations but the teams have embarked on-site investigations and site preparations, while the specialised heavy-duty railway breakdown and recovery equipment is on its way to the site," Transnet said.