- Prasa has increased security at Retreat Station after three train carriages were burned.
- Ward councillor Kevin Southgate warns of persistent vandalism and community concerns over privacy and safety.
- A local resident noted that trespassers on the damaged trains now have visibility into nearby homes.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) is beefing up security at the Retreat Train Station after the vandalism and destruction of three carriages.
The carriages were allegedly set alight in the early hours of Saturday 19 October.
Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate informed the People’s Post that it was not the first time carriages had been set alight at the station.
“The situation at Retreat train station is not the first. We have over an extended period of time reported incidents to Prasa,” he said. “The trains have been set alight before and this after it was reported that people were sleeping in the trains parked off at the junction and more recently it was reported that people illegally entered the trains.”
According to Southgate, he receives regular complaints regarding illegal activities occurring.
“In the past week, the trains were once again set alight and this really raised the ire of the local community who had to contend with these illegal activities around the junction,” he added.
“The situation has now exposed residents to increased criminal activities as people have now started stripping the carriages for items to sell.”
Guards threatened
After reporting complaints to Prasa, Southgate says it was worrying that even security guards were being threatened.
“They assured me that they were going to increase security but what was of greater concern was that Prasa told me their security was coming under threat from people wanting to strip the trains,” he shared. “I would suggest that since the trains are not in commission on the southern line, they be removed to a more secure parking garage.”
In a complaint to Southgate, a resident said they noticed several pieces of metal had been removed, leaving cables bare.
“The burnt out train carriages seem to be attracting even more people looking for scrap. With the carriages being slightly elevated, they also have a good view into properties across the road.
“Especially alarming to see was the view they have into people’s homes and backyards from the carriages. May I ask how far the process is to get the carriages removed?”
Prasa area manager Porcha Gordon confirmed that a train was damaged in a fire over a week ago.
“Three carriages burned and they are still there on the platform,” she said. “They are still busy with the investigations into the possible causes of the fire.”
Questioned on alleged vandalism to the carriages, Gordon commented that they did not receive any complaints.
“Security is being employed. They are stationed at the carriages and no one has informed me about any vandalism taking place.”
