Metrorail suspends services in Springs, Daveyton, Dunswart following attacks on train drivers

23 February 2016 - 12:41 By Wim Pretorius
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Metrorail suspended services along its Springs, Daveyton, and Dunswart corridors on Tuesday following attacks on train drivers.

Commuters were intimidating and assaulting drivers and security guards, spokesperson Lillian Mofokeng said.

Drivers had to run for their lives on Monday night and carriages were set alight. Drivers were not to blame if trains could not run because of cable theft or other problems, Mofokeng said.

"The commuters don't understand that a train can't continue if there was cable theft and then they just start attacking the drivers. It's just not safe enough."
Metrorail’s Gauteng manager Tembela Kulu said drivers could not risk their lives to serve people that failed to appreciate the vital role they played in getting them to their destinations safely.

Kulu said security guards had to provide escorts for crews last week when commuters threw stones at trains.

Metrorail’s management condemned the violence and would call in other law enforcement agencies to protect staff and property.

Source: News24

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