Cape Times reports that train drivers in the Western Cape downed tools on Monday after one of their colleagues was gunned down at Netreg train station.  

Pieter Barend Botha was shot twice on the platform and his bag stolen.  He died on the scene.  Botha was attending a refresher training course 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.  Condemning the “barbaric act“, Harris said Prasa must investigate why there was not ample security present when the shooting happened.  Metrorail regional manager Richard Walker indicated that on Monday that management and trade unions were “locked in talks to craft a joint solution to ensure the safety of employees”.  A police spokesperson said a murder case had been opened for investigation, but no arrests had yet been made.

• Read this report by Sandiso Phaliso in full at Cape Times
• Read Untu’s press statement at SA Labour News
• See too, Metrorail driver shot dead while waiting for train, at News24
• And also, Skok ná moord aany treindrywer, at Maroela Media

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page