KwaZulu-Natal train services suspended following violent station attack

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has suspended train services in KwaZulu-Natal after a mob of angry commuters attacked an uMlazi station on Friday.

Disgruntled train travellers took their frustration out on a nearby station by torching carriages and staff vehicles. Extensive damage was done to the ticketing depot, which prompted the urgent call for police backup.

Prasa suspends KwaZulu-Natal train services indefinitely

According to reports, the chaos erupted following delays in the train service travelling between Dingani and Ngwele. Police eventually managed to quell the violence on Friday afternoon.

Look at the damage! Umlazi outside Durban where commuters went on the rampage after a train arrived 10 minutes late. pic.twitter.com/623mB0EgdA

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) September 21, 2018

Yet, the damage inflicted on KwaZulu-Natal’s rail infrastructure as a result of the attacks has prompted an indefinite suspension of services. IOL reported that the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, would be engaging with Prasa officials and dissatisfied community members, in order to reach an amicable agreement moving forward.

Kaunda revealed that the Umlazi dissent coupled with an attack on a female train driver is cause for great concern, saying:

“Preliminary investigations reveal that commuters went on a rampage after experiencing train delays.  On Thursday, a female train driver was attacked in KwaDukuza [Stanger] by commuters and she is currently fighting for her life in hospital.

We acknowledge that Prassa is experiencing some challenges with the rolling stock which results in delays. The current leadership of Prasa is addressing the challenges facing the utility.”

Public transport system left overburdened

The suspension of train services, which according to Prasa spokesperson, Zama Nomnganga, affects all routes in and around KwaZulu-Natal, has already left thousands of commuters stranded. Alternative transportation arrangements – Durban bus services and minibus taxi ranks – have been overburdened by the sudden suspension.

Kaunda bemoaned the rampant criminality which forced the interruption of rail services, adding that those involved with the violent protests need to be arrested and prosecuted, saying:

“No amount of anger can warrant damage to property whether public or private.  We have taken a decision that people who embark on illegal public protests and damage property must be charged criminally and be litigated individually.”