Metrorail's 'duty' to protect lives
2003-02-06 12:57
Cape Town - The Cape High Court ruled on Thursday that Metrorail and the transport ministry have a legal duty to protect the lives of train commuters, Cape Talk radio reported.
The Fish Hoek Rail Commuter Action Group who had been affected by violence on the trains took legal action against Metrorail, the transport and safety and security ministries in August last year.
They asked the court to order Metrorail to provide adequate safety on trains, especially for women and children.
The court ruled that Metrorail and the transport minister must act to ensure the safety of commuters, and that the onus was not on the police to protect passengers.
The radio said Metrorail and the transport ministry had been given four months to comply with the court order.
Metrorail and the transport minister were ordered to pay the court costs of both parties.
- SAPA