PRASA makes a promise to the widow of the train driver

14th July 2016

The Netreg Station in the Western Cape where train driver Pieter Barend (Piet) Botha (46) was shot dead on Monday, would be made safe and secure for staff and commuters. This promise was made to Botha’s widow, Tania (42), by Mr. William Steenkamp, Acting Director of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), at the memorial service in memory of Mr Botha which took place at Netreg station where four armed men shot him twice in the head on Monday.
 
According to Mr Steenkamp the community will see “improved changes” as of next week at the station. He will invite Mrs. Botha and her children, Nadia (16) and Brendon (19), back to Netreg Station within 3 months to view the changes in memory of their father and husband.
 
Mr. Brian Davids, Executive Councillor and National Full Time Union Representative of the UNTU welcomed the promise made by Mr Steenkamp. “UNTU will keep Mr. Steenkamp to his promise and he will be held accountable if this station is not safe and secured within the timeframe,” says Davids.
 
Mr Botha of Malmesbury, was waiting for a train at the station when four men overpowered him in broad daylight. While busy with a refresher training course. He was a loyal member of UNTU while he worked for Metrorail, a division of Prasa, for the past 26 years.  
 
For enquiries please contact Mr. Steve Harris, General-Secretary of UNTU, on 082 566 5516.