TRAIN drivers downed tools yesterday after one of their colleagues was gunned down at Netreg train station.
Train driver Pieter Barend Botha’s was shot twice and his bag stolen on the platform. He died on the scene.
Botha was attending a refresher training course on the central line and was waiting for a train after he had changed lines, said United National Transport Union (UNTU) general secretary Steve Harris.
As news spread of their colleague's death, train drivers stopped working, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
Metrorail regional manager Richard Walker said drivers were fearing for their lives.
“Metrorail employees have expressed concern about their safety in the wake of the incident and some drivers have downed tools until a safe working environment can be arranged."
He said Metrorail management and trade unions were yesterday “locked in talks to craft a joint solution to ensure the safety of employees”.
Harris said Botha’s death was a senseless murder.
“(He was) an innocent train driver who has dedicated his life to ensuring that commuters reach their destinations safely.
"UNTU condemn this barbaric act and pleaded with the public to come forward with any information that can assist SAPS to put these murderers behind bars so that the law can take its cause.”
Harris said Prasa must investigate why there were not ample security present when the shooting happened.
Walker said law enforcement agencies need to come up with a decisive plan to deal with criminals hanging around Metrorail operational precincts.
Walker said this was for the sake of commuters and Prasa employees as it was beginning to impact adversely on service provision.
“We are devastated that criminals claimed the life of one of our own so needlessly and tragically.
"Our hearts go out to his family who must face the loss of a husband and father.
“His death is an enormous blow to his family and his colleagues.”
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said a murder case has been opened for investigation, but no arrests had yet been made.
She said circumstances and the motive were being investigated.
“Netreg is an acknowledged gang-infested area and it is our unenviable task to operate trains in this volatile environment," Walker said.
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