The United National Transport Union (UNTU) thanks the Passenger Rail Agency
of South Africa (PRASA) for doing everything within its power to assist Joepie (JD) Joubert (59), who shot and killed one of his attackers last week in self-defence.
Joubert told UNTU that he and his family are unable to describe how grateful they are for the unbelievable support and assistance PRASA has afforded him in this stressful time.
“This is a very difficult time for me and my family. PRASA assisted me to get counselling to help me to try and cope with the traumatic two attacks at the Kraaifontein Station,” Joubert said.
Joubert was taken in for questioning by the South African Police Service (SAPS) after he shot and killed one of the four men who attacked him when he was signing in for work on 2 September at the Kraaifontein Station in the early hours of the morning. PRASA appointed an attorney to assist him and he was allowed to return home.
According to Joubert he is booked off sick and will not return to work before he retires on 30 September. He will turn 60 on 2 October. PRASA registered the latest attack on him as an injury on duty.
Joubert only returned to work four days before the attack after he was booked off sick for a month for his first attack on 26 July at the Kraaifontein Station when three men overpowered and assaulted him badly before they robbed him.
The first attack had such a severe impact of Mr. Joubert health that he tendered his resignation.
Mr. Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU, says although the Union is appreciated that PRASA is assisting Joubert, the company could have prevented his trauma if it had reacted to UNTU’s demand over the last two months and took preventative steps to drastically step up security.
Just Yesterday Richard Walker, Metrorail regional manager, told the media that continued vandalism is the source of ongoing delays on the train service’s central line.17 trains were cancelled on the central line due to cable theft, causing delays of between 30 to 40 minutes.
“We have a problem with deliberate vandalism out in Central. For two consecutive days now we’ve had cables stolen and an apparatus case that was severely vandalised in Langa,” Walker said.
UNTU earlier demanded that PRASA appoint trained armed guards to escort the train crew working on the Central line or close the line until the company is able to ensure the safety of its staff and commuters.
It is on this line that UNTU train driver Pieter Barend (Piet) Botha was shot twice in the head while waiting for a train in broad daylight at the Netreg Station.
For enquiries please phone Mr. Harris on 082 566 5516.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Media and Liaison Officer. For UNTU Press Releases e-mail sonja@untu.co.za or phone 082 463 6806.
