“The rail violence in the Western Cape and Gauteng is a serious issue that is endangering the safety of commuters and rail workers and negatively affecting the jobs and incomes of millions of workers, not to mention the harm it is doing to the national economy,” says Steve Harris, general secretary of UNTU, Transnet’s largest rail union.
“The South African Police Service seems powerless to do what is necessary to end the violence. Instead of sitting in their offices and pointing fingers they should be protecting trains and rail installations and be out there doing the basic detective and policing work that will bring the criminals to book.
“Prasa also needs to be more pro-active. Their influence goes right to the top. They need to use it more effectively.
“We all know at what times and on what lines commuter trains are most vulnerable. Why is there no police presence to guard those trains, their passengers and crews?
“The country is presently spending billions of rands on new rolling stock. If the Government, SAPS and Prasa cannot get their rail security act together it will be money down the drain.”
Steve Harris
GENERAL SECRETARY
UNTU
