Mobility

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) experienced an unpresidented

 increase in attacks towards staff, contractors, trains (Rolling Stock) and its

 infrastructure in the past 5 years (1 April 2018 – 31 March 2023).

Significant incidents would include:

• Loss of Train Driver who was fatally shot at Netreg Station
• Two (2) Contract workers shot whilst recovering infrastructure at Bonteheuwel.
• Loss of 167 Rolling Stock coaches (an equivalent of 14 Train Sets)
• Loss of Infrastructure (Stations, Overhead and Rail) on the Central Line
• Loss of Infrastructure (Overhead cables) on the Northern Line
• Loss of life caused by a collision of train and vehicle at Buttskop Level Crossing.

In partnership with PRASA, the City of Cape Town and the Department, the following

             joint safety and security initiatives were concluded:

The Rail Enforcement Unit (REU) comprising of 100 members was formed. This unit was financed by a joint funding from all three (3) partners.

• The Department, PRASA, the City of Cape Town together with the South African Police Services (SAPS) have created a forum for sharing information and collaboration, the Provincial Rail Crime Combating Forum (PRCCF).
• In 2020, the Department entered into a Memorandum of Understating with PRASA to provide EPWP workers that would assist in clearing vegetation within the rail reserve that was being used by criminal elements.
• To improved Rail – Road safety, the Department has contributed funding towards the elimination of the Buttskop Level Crossing.
• In collaboration with the City of Cape Town’s Law enforcement, the Department and PRASA conduct monthly Level Crossing awareness through out the Western Cape to ensure a safe rail space at intersections with vehicular traffic.

The forgoing projects are executed in the interest of a safe and secure Rail

Operation in the Western Cape.