Transnet being sued for over R2.3 billion in negligence and misconduct cases
From a reply to a parliamentary question from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), it's emerged the freight rail agency is facing at least 49 litigious negligent cases.
Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Transnet is being sued for over R2.3 billion in negligence and misconduct cases.
The bulk of that is from a single case of more than a decade ago when the MV Smart ran aground after leaving port in Richards Bay.
From a reply to a parliamentary question from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), it's emerged the freight rail agency is facing at least 49 litigious negligent cases.
It's the state-owned entity with by far the highest value of claims against it for recklessness, negligence or misconduct on behalf of an employee.
Transnet is being sued for R2.2 billion as a result of the destruction of the MV Smart with a cargo of coal onboard in 2013.
But it's also facing several cases related to the loss of life as a result of alleged negligence by its workers, including several train collisions with vehicles.
At least 20 cases relate to damage caused to shipping containers and their contents.
Employees are also being held liable for damage to vessels and negligent driving.
Two cases have been lodged for electrocutions on rail tracks, one of them suing for R20 million, as well as personal injury claims after alighting from a train.
In comparison, Eskom is facing 92 claims worth R55 million and SAA, two cases totaling R5 million.
Transnet says it believes all the cases it is facing are defensible.