The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has called on the Western Cape government to act decisively to stop murders of train commuters in the region, especially around Cape Town.
Western Cape Community Safety MEC Dan Plato has confirmed that 32 commuters have been murdered over the past two years and that 66 people have been seriously injured; 12 suspects have been arrested for these murders yet only one of them had been convicted.
Fedusa president Godfrey Selematsela said the union federation is opposed to all injuries and loss of life.
“As Fedusa we call on the management of Prasa and the government to protect life and ensure that workers are protected in a safe working environment,” said Selematsela.
“As Fedusa we call on Prasa to reintroduce the Railway Police to monitor trains and protect the commuters, including our members, who work for the institution.”
Fedusa general secretary Dennis George said it was outrageous that senior government officials including President Jacob Zuma and other cabinet ministers had armed bodyguards protecting their lives day and night.
“It’s traumatic and very sad for affected families to be losing their loved ones in such tragic ways. One death is one too many. This shouldn’t be happening to anyone if the authorities and Prasa had listened to the cries of our members,” said George.
“It is an acceptable state of affairs and Prasa is ultimately responsible. By now there should be security cameras on all trains and platforms, all broken perimeters should have been mended and the doors in commuter coaches should all be in working condition and easily secured.”