Some of the country’s top cops met rail commuters in Khayelitsha to discuss crime in rail precincts.
|||Cape Town - Some of the country’s top cops met rail commuters in Khayelitsha on Thursday morning to discuss crime in rail precincts.
Western Cape commissioner Arno Lamoer, national police minister Nathi Mthethwa and commissioner Riah Phiyega shared a coach on a typical morning commute to Cape Town from Chris Hani Station in Harare, Khayelitsha. They were hosted by Metrorail’s regional manager Mthuthuzeli Swartz.
Mosegwa Mofi, a spokesman for Metrorail, said it was an opportunity for the minister to engage with commuters on the challenges they face with regard to crime and personal safety.
Commuters complained about rampant muggings at train stations in Khayelitsha, especially before dawn and after dark.
They also spoke of drug use on trains and echoed Metrorail’s ongoing concerns over vandalism and copper theft, as these crimes often lead to delays and a reduced service.
“It is very encouraging that our clients are as concerned about the issues of copper theft and vandalism as we are.
“A strong partnership between the public, police and Metrorail’s staff is our best chance at fighting this sort of theft,” Mofi said.
Mthethwa acknowledged that police had a role to play to ensure the safety of commuters and said better enforcement of the Second Hand Goods Act, which became law last year, could help in curbing the scourge of copper theft.
He called on the justice system to assist police in this regard.
Mthethwa, who was set to give his budget speech in Parliament later today, also called on “all spheres of government” to work together to ensure the safety of commuters.
daneel.knoetze@inl.co.za
Cape Argus