Questions raised over Prasa’s new security plan
Civil coalition Unite Behind says while it's pleased with efforts to boost safety on public trains - it still has concerns over measures to protect women and children.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula on Wednesday launched a new security plan for Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), saying the department be in-sourcing over 3 000 security personnel to help protect infrastructure, especially railways.
Unite Behind's Zukiswa Vuka says they want to know how the plan is going to be rolled out.
"Women experience safety differently. How do women address those issues?
"I understand that police are going to be present, we are just not sure. The plan is not saying that the security are they going be inside the trains while the trains are in motion, because that's where the most crimes are happening."
Mbalula urged passengers and communities to also play a role to ensure everyone’s safety on trains.
"Communities must take it upon themselves to expose these criminal networks within their own ranks.
"This factor played a role in our decision to recruit the new protection officers from within affected communities where it is possible."
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