NRZ says fire break outs are "coordinated attacks"

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

The National Railways of Zimbabwe has said the spat of fire outbreaks at its premises are coordinated attacks on the entity which have shifted investigations into the last two incidents to criminal activities involving organised saboteurs.

The new developments come as there has been two “suspected arson attacks” on NRZ properties, the first one having broke out on Monday at mechanical workshops in Bulawayo that destroyed 44 decommissioned passengers coaches, while the recent being in Harare at shunters complex where three coaches were also torched.

In a statement, NRZ said, it is working with police to uncover suspects behind the coordinated arson attacks.

“The NRZ has over the course of the week experienced a spat of fire outbreaks at its premises which appear to be coordinated arson attacks.

“The second incident took place at the shutters complex in Harare where three coaches have been torched. But we strongly suspect that these incidences are as a result of foul play.

“The NRZ and Zimbabwe Republic Police have since opened investigations into the matter and no stone will be left unturned,” read the statement from the national railway company.

The state-owned railway company has been on a revamp trajectory that has seen the signing of deals with Chinese companies for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of its major routes infrastructure.