The attacks on the rail operator’s services have affected commuters across Cape Town.

CAPE TOWN – Metrorail in the Western Cape says it has suffered more than R70 million in damages since the beginning of the year.

The rail operator says arsonists have set fire to 17 carriages.

Acting Prasa CEO Nathi Khena say they won’t rest until the culprits are apprehended.

Khena says he’s confident the arsonists who set fire to 17 Metrorail coaches will be arrested.

He’s revealed police are currently interrogating a suspect.

“We want to appeal to our justice system to show no mercy when these criminals are brought before court.”

Metrorail in the Western Cape has lost R198 million in the last two years due to damage to infrastructure.

LISTEN: Metrorail infrastructure attacked – again

Western Cape Transport MEC Donald Grant wants to set up a task team to assess Metrorail’s numerous problems.

“It’s been commissioned by the national minister and I am waiting for approval from her. Then we will put it up into the public domain, but it’s a very comprehensive plan dealing with the basics.”

The MEC has labelled the spate of arson attacks on trains as acts of economic sabotage.

The attacks on the rail operator’s services have affected several commuters across the city.

WATCH: Commuters face frenzied scrambles on crippled Metrorail lines

(Edited by Masechaba Sefularo)