Cape Town rail service security officer shot to death
Cape Town South Africa Jan 12 2018 – Metrorail suspended service on the Khayelitsha-Kapteinsklip-Bishop Lavis line on Tuesday night after a security guard was shot dead.
The guard was killed at Khayelitsha station at 8.30 pm on Tuesday night. Metrorail said police were investigating the incident.
Metrorail regional manager Richard Walker expressed his shock and outrage at the incident: “Our sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of the security guard who lost his life so needlessly. This incident is indicative of the environment to which our employees and customers are exposed to. Urgent intervention is required to stem criminal activities in the communities.
“In the interest of commuter and employee safety, the train service has had to be suspended until police clearance is received that the service can be resumed.”
Walker confirmed ongoing discussions with the provincial SAPS commissioner.
“We need to be reassured that the area is stable and that trains can operate safely before services can be reinstated,” Walker said.
Stations on the Khayelitsha-Kapteinsklip-Bishop Lavis line are closed and no single/return tickets will be sold. Metrorail said it had no buses to offer as alternative transport but that Golden Arrow Bus Services had been approached to assist with alternative transport. Commuters would be advised about these arrangements.
