Metrorail halts trains to honour 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 stationery locomotive outside Hercules Station, Pretoria, on Christmas Day.

"No train service will operate in Gauteng on the 1st of January 2013 in honour of Mr Du Plessis for the dedication and passion he had in serving our commuters," the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) said in a statement.

It added that trains would operate only until 6pm until January 4, as a preventive measure against recurrences of such incidents over the festive season.

"It is with great sadness and regret we learn of this unfortunate incident and as management we are of the view that one death is just too many to loose an employee on duty 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 the Prasa's Protection Services department on (012) 315 2566.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge