Cape Times reports that a protection officer of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) was assaulted on Wednesday while trying to stop non-paying commuters during rush-hour at the Mbekweni station in Paarl.  

Themba Ndzima was struck in the face, damaging his right eye, when he attempted to block an oncoming rush of commuters refusing to pay their train fare.  His assailant taunted him and threatened to “come back” and do it again.  Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott condemned the incident and indicated that they would be implementing preventive recommendations to ensure the safety of staff.  The matter has been reported to the police.  Steve Harris, general secretary of the United National Transport Union (Untu), said he was shocked by the incident, which happened just two weeks after Prasa sent armed guards to escort drivers on the central line, after several incidents of violent crime.

• Read this report by Byron Lukas in full at Cape Times
• Read Untu’s press statement in this regard at SA Labour News

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page