Metrorail to halt trains in honour of slain driver

Metrorail will not operate in Gauteng on New Year’s Day in honour of train driver J P du Plessis, who was found stabbed to death in a stationary locomotive outside Hercules Station, Pretoria, on Christmas Day.

“No train service will operate in Gauteng on January 1 2013 in honour of Mr Du Plessis for the dedication and passion he had in serving our commuters,” said the Passenger Rail Agency of SA.

Prasa said that trains would operate until 6pm until January 4 as a preventative measure against recurrences of such incidents over the festive season.

“It is with great sadness and regret to learn of this unfortunate incident. As management, we are of the view that one death is just too many, especially in this horrific manner,” said Tembela Kulu, Metrorail’s Gauteng manager.

Anyone with information that will assist the investigation and arrest of the perpetrators may contact Prasa’s protection services department on (012) 315 2566.

- Sapa