Metrorail criticised over security.

Commuter rail service provider Metrorail has come under fire for failing to provide backup security for travellers in light of ongoing nationwide strike action by security guards over wage demands. There has been no security on trains or at stations since guards affiliated to the transport union SATAWU began an indefinite strike calling for an 11 per cent pay rise over two weeks ago.

Commuter Action Group has accused Metrorail which provides commuter rail services in six major cities in South Africa, including Cape Town of acting irresponsibly after the company confirmed that it would not be placing substitute security guards on trains until further notice, local radio station Cape Talk reports.

On 12 April striking SATAWU workers vandalised seven Metrorail trains at Nyanga station on the Cape Flats as well as disrupting services during the afternoon peak on the Cape Town to Kapteinsklip and Kayelitsha line. Other violent incidents involving property and passengers have been registered in other parts of the country.