Cape Town - City of Cape Town hosted an official launch of the Rail Enforcement Unit during a “special ceremony” on Monday.
Up to 100 officers have undergone training in an effort to support the existing security services.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith said that the Rail Enforcement Unit puts Cape Town a step closer to becoming a world class City.
Smith, along with members of the media took a train ride with the unit. Smith revealed that commuters travelling during off-peak times are more vulnerable to being victims of crime.
"This is actually the time [off-peak] when commuters are more regularly preyed upon because they are alone in a carriage," he said.
"So when someone comes aboard, they are easier prey than during peak hour when there is other eyes and ears. Yes, people get attacked during peak hour but you're even more vulnerable in off-peak."
WATCH: “Peak times are the most dangerous time commuters experience” @IOL @TheCapeArgus pic.twitter.com/99QhyCoXIW
— Marvin Charles (@MarvinCharles17) October 29, 2018
The formation of this dedicated unit follows on from a memorandum of agreement between the City of Cape Town, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), and the Western Cape Government. The pilot project is set to run for a period of at least 12 months.
@TheCapeArgus