By Xolani Mbanjwa and Lesego Masemola
Two people have been arrested in connection with the recent torching of six Metrorail trains, according to the SA Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC).
SARCC spokesperson Pule Mabe said the suspects were identified in an identity parade and charged with malicious damage to property.
Yesterday Metrorail partially restored services between Pretoria and Mabopane.
Sixty Putco buses have also been brought in to service the more than 100 000 daily commuters.
Mabe said the restoration of services went smoothly, but "there may be overcrowding and some unavailability of buses".
The services were suspended after commuters torched the trains because they were more than four hours late.
On the arrests, Mabe said: "We are calling on all our law enforcement agencies to carry out a judgment that will send out a strong message that rail services are public transport and should be respected.
"Those who burn trains are criminals with no hearts and feelings for the millions of South Africans who rely on trains for their livelihoods and sustenance."
But some commuters are doubtful about the partially restored services.
Marta Sindani of Hercules said: "I am happy the trains are working now. We are just worried of how long they will last until something else goes wrong.
"I had to walk a long way because the train did not reach the station where I normally get off to go to work," she said.
But for most, the return of the trains was good news.
Ouma Dladla of Klipgat in North West said: "The money I used for the taxi when there was no trains I could have used for food for my two children. I don't even know what started this issue."
She said she had spent R200 a week to get and from work.
Thomas Maluleka said he was miserable when he heard the trains were not running.
"What happened, happened. Unfortunately we do not know who burned the trains. We were forced to use alternative transport, which is far more expensive than the train."
Mabe said: "The public should give us time to assess our interventionist strategy to restore the two lines so that we can improve it rather than judge it in the first days of implementation."
He said the SARCC was considering another project according to which passengers would be notified - via SMS - when trains would be late.
The members of Tshwane regional management who had been suspended for inefficiency after the arson attack were still under suspension and the investigation would be concluded at the end of February
He also said the SARCC had increased its investment in the passenger rail project, with more than R18 billion over three years.
