Demand for protection after train driver is injured

GLASS splinters nearly cost Metrorail train driver Willem Spence his eyesight when a brick was hurled through the front window of the train he was driving.

The incident reignited the anger of the United National Transport Union (Untu) which said it would today seek an urgent interdict to try force the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and the police to protect train crews and commuters.

Last year the union called for armed guards at some stations after one of its members, Pieter Botha, 46, was robbed and shot twice in the head at Netreg train station in July.

In September, train driver JD Joubert shot and killed one of four attackers, allegedly in self-defence, after they ambushed him just 3m from the office where he had to sign the attendance register at the Kraaifontein station.

“It has become life-threatening to drive our trains,” Untu general secretary Steve Harris said, referring to the latest incident.

The union said Spence, 52, had had the glass particles removed from his eyes after the attack, which took place close to the Du Toit station near Stellenbosch on Friday.

“We are under siege from criminals who know that we are soft targets. As train drivers, we can no longer focus on normal train safety and the safety of the passengers we carry as we constantly must be on the lookout for criminals,” Harris said.

He said Spence, who has 27 years experience, had been driving slowly and had just passed an informal settlement when he saw the attacker in front of him on the railway line.

Harris said the man had then hurled a brick at the train’s window, sending pieces of glass flying into Spence’s eyes. He had also suffered several cuts on his face and arms.

Despite his injuries, the veteran driver continued to drive the train to the Stellenbosch station when he could not see police or security guards at the Du Toit station to assist him. His train had been filled with commuters.

Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott said the company wished Spence a speedy recovery. “We are very concerned about the incident and it will be fully investigated.” –