Rail system in jeopardy as PRASA fails to pay to protect rail commuters in Cape Town
I want to express my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the man who was killed during a horrific attack on commuters who were travelling on the train between Lynedoch and Eerste River on Friday evening, 7 September 2018.
Eight other commuters were also robbed of the very little belongings they had on them, and thrown off the train. One commuter was found with a broken knife blade embedded in his head.
I am wishing them a speedy recovery, and I am also calling on the South African Police Service to investigate this incident as a matter of priority.
I am shocked beyond words by the horrific details of this latest attack. Cape Town’s rail commuters, who are among the most vulnerable in our society, are facing an onslaught of violence on a daily basis.
This latest incident has prompted me to publicly express my exasperation with the fact that to date, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has failed to pay their part of the funding that is needed for the special Rail Enforcement Unit that the City is currently training. PRASA is placing the very service they need in jeopardy.