Alleged gangsters have been threatening workers as they attempt to rebuild the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (Prasa) Central Line.
Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie flagged the reports and called a meeting with Prasa, Transnet and the South African Police Service.
Workers have reportedly been threatened with violence by alleged extortionists with many workers fleeing for their lives on Monday.
McKenzie indicated that extortion on this project would not be tolerated nor would the project be halted.
“The resumption of the Central Line corridor has not only been beneficial for the employment of our people, but the full functioning of the Central Line will bring relief to those who need it most.”
However, a frightening video has been doing the rounds on social media. The footage shows two individuals carrying guns as they pace back and forth in front of what appears to be Bonteheuwel’s Netreg Station.
The alleged gangsters are reportedly demanding “protection fees” from Prasa’s subcontractors as they work to restore the Central Line.
Not for sensitive viewers. Watch the video below:
Gangsters in Bonteheuwel (Netreg station in the video) have been demanding “protection fees” from Prasa’s subcontractors who are working to restore service to the Central Line. pic.twitter.com/V7lFU34uCq
— Quinton Mtyala (@mtyala) August 31, 2022
“I don’t understand how our government allows this to happen,” one individual commented.
“I’m not surprised, this is the homeland of gangsters. That line will never open, infact dont waist money Prasa,” another user wrote.
McKenzie has since appealed to the community at large to come forward with information.
“I have faith that the Bishop Lavis police will deal with this criminality. However, I’m appealing to the community at large to come forward with information to assist in ensuring that those responsible are arrested. So that together we can get this corridor up and running again,” Mckenzie said.
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Picture: Screenshot