MEC Vadi condemns attacks on personnel, Metrorail trains

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi has condemned the violent attacks on Metrorail trains and personnel, leading to a temporary suspension of services in the Mamelodi corridor. 

The MEC condemned unwarranted damage to new trains, saying it’s not in the public interest and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. 

Last night, the newly introduced Metrorail train was pelted with stones at Eerste Fabrieke Station in Mamelodi, where the crew and security officials were harassed and some sustained injuries. 

"We cannot allow criminal elements and hooligans to disrupt rail services in our communities and damage public transport infrastructure. Law enforcement agencies must act to bring those responsible for these senseless attacks to book," Vadi said. 

Metrorail has recently been experiencing a series of staff assaults, train hijackings and attacks against its commuter trains on the Mamelodi corridor. 

In less than a week, more than 10 Metrorail employees were attacked, leading to Metrorail withdrawing six trains from service due to malicious damage. 

MEC Vadi has also called on commuters to work with Metrorail security services and law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for acts of vandalism are brought to book. – SAnews.gov.za