Malawi thugs derail trains to steal fuel, commodities – CEAR

Central and East Africa Railway Limited is expressing concern that thugs have resorted to putting stones on rail lines in a bid to derail wagons to steal fuel and other commodities.

In a statement aired on some radio stations, the company says the thugs have attacked trains on a number of occasions.

However the company has not said how many trains have derailed so far as a result of the malpractices.

The company says Valley Logistics Limited which is constructing and rehabilitating some of the rail lines is spending huge money fighting the vice.

The statement says all trains will now be accompanied by armed police officers who will deal with the matter on the spot and take the culprits to courts to face the law.

CEAR also says it is spending huge sums of money reimbursing its clients for stolen fuel and wheat which are the target during such thefts.

During the food shortage period, some people hijacked trains to steal wheat which they used to cook and eat in place of meal mealie which was scarce and expensive.