ZARWU Condemns Arson Attacks on NRZ Premises

By Ilyana Sithole

The arson assaults that have recently occurred on the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) properties in Bulawayo and Harare have been strongly denounced by the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Railway Workers Union (ZARWU).

In a statement released yesterday, ZARWU General Secretary N. Bepete expressed deep concern over the deliberate destruction of 47 decommissioned passenger coaches at the NRZ Bulawayo mechanical workshops and the Harare shunters’ complex. These incidents, which occurred on September 16 and 18, respectively, were deemed as “well-coordinated arson attacks” aimed at damaging the country’s vital railway infrastructure.

Bepete stressed that sabotage acts of this nature are detrimental to the efforts underway to modernise and revitalise the NRZ, in addition to being counterproductive. He commended Ms. R Zinyanduko, the general manager, for her leadership in promoting civil discourse and harmonious labour relations.

The union has urged the Zimbabwe Republic Police to expedite their investigations into these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice. ZARWU has also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the NRZ and its workers, who rely heavily on the railway industry for their livelihoods.