Metrorail train service between Johannesburg and Vereeniging have been suspended due to a violent service delivery protests currently happening around Nancefield Station. All commuters traveling to and from Vereeniging are advised to make alternative transport arrangements until it is safe to resume the service in this corridor. At the moment, the station is inaccessible because the protestors have barricaded roads around Nancefield.
Sadly there are reports that some of our employees and the community members suffered injuries following an altercation with protestors. “It is unfortunate that when people are dissatisfied with service delivery related issues, they then direct their anger to Metrorail environment such as stations, blocking railway lines and stoning trains. This negatively affects the normal running of trains and affects the economy of Gauteng Province,” said Lillian Mofokeng, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communication.
Mofokeng said Metrorail strongly condemns these opportunistic behaviour of criminals who vandalise state assets and put the lives of its employees and commuters at risk. Safety is Metrorail’s number one priority thus we will not hesitate to suspend the running of train when safety cannot be guaranteed. Vandalism, arson and attack to our personnel and commuters are counter-productive.
Metrorail management sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused and will continue to closely monitor the situation from the ground. Furthermore, commuters are requested to be patient at all times while in the operational network….
