The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has temporarily suspended rail infrastructure projects on the Central Line, in the Western Cape, while it engages with law enforcement on a long-term solution.

This follows disruptions, violence and intimidation carried out by armed men earlier this week.

"PRASA's recovery efforts on the Central Line, between Bonteheuwel, Netreg and Heideveld, have been disrupted by a group of armed men who have used violence and intimidation against contractors and PRASA employees. This comes at a time when the business is rebuilding and recovering the rail infrastructure and stations on various corridors across the country and making steady progress in restoring passenger train services," it explains.

In a meeting held between the South African Police Service, councillors in the affected areas and PRASA on August 30, it was resolved that a long-lasting solution enhanced by an integrated security plan needs to be devised. PRASA protection services together with law enforcement are working on a joint operational security plan, the agency says.

The Central Line is a strategic corridor in the Western Cape region. The corridor has 12 of the region’s 22 high-income stations and is central in ensuring PRASA delivers on its primary mandate. However, the Central Line is a highly volatile area and experiences high amounts of criminal activity.

"PRASA does not tolerate acts of criminality hiding behind socio-economic challenges faced by communities. Criminal elements will be dealt with by law enforcement, and we have full confidence in law enforcement and the various structures that a long-term solution will be found to deal with elements of criminality.

"For now, all projects have been temporarily suspended until further notice. The disruption of the projects will have a negative impact on the delivery of the full rail service of the Central Line, and will negatively impact on communities that rely on this affordable and efficient mode of transport," PRASA says.

The agency has already recovered the Northern and Southern Lines. Certain sections on the Central Line between Cape Town and Langa via Pinelands and Serapta have also been recovered.