METRORAIL contractors who are fixing the Central Line have stopped working.
This is because gangs in the Bonteheuwel and Nutreg areas in Cape Town are demanding money from them.
They allegedly told them they were working in their turf, and must therefore pay or leave.
Metrorail spokeswoman Zino Mihi told Daily Sun that contractors were threatened by gun-wielding men, and had to leave on Monday, 29 August.
Mihi said Metrorail, together with other partners, was finding ways to ensure the safety of workers.
And this was not the first time workers had been prevented from working in the area.
Two months ago, a guard protecting the workers was shot at by men who then fled the scene.
“We have halted the work as the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), and internal stakeholders are working to close the gaps regarding security,” she said.
Local councillor Angus McKenzie said extortion must never be tolerated.
“I have fought gangsterism and will continue to fight against extortionist rings. The Central Line must be rebuilt.”
Ricardo Mackenzie, chairman of the Western Cape standing committee on transport, said Prasa, SAPS, crime intelligence and state security, needed to work together to urgently solve the issue of extortionists.
“The lack of an effective security plan will cause delays, and commuters will continue to lose their hard-earned cash in transport fees,” he said.
Captain Frederick van Wyk said the cops, Prasa and the local councillor had a meeting.
“Prasa indicated that all work will be upheld until they have structures in place. A follow-up meeting will take place.
“SAPS Bishop Lavis opened an inquiry regarding the intimidation as the contractor didn’t want to open a case. Investigations continue,” he said.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula’s spokeswoman, Lwaphesheya Khoza, said Prasa and the security cluster were meeting to find solutions.
