A Metrorail driver was shot dead at the Netreg station in Cape Town on Monday while waiting for a train, the United National Transport Union (UNTU) says.

The driver, identified as Pieter Barend Botha by the union, was busy doing refresher training on a railway line and was waiting for a train when the incident occurred, UNTU general secretary Steve Harris said in a statement.

He described the killing as yet another senseless murder of an innocent driver who had dedicated his life to ensuring commuters reached their destinations safely.

“UNTU condemn this barbaric act and plead with the public to come forward with any information that can assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) to put these murderers behind bars so that the law can take its course,” Harris said.

UNTU also called for Prasa to investigate why there was not enough security personnel present when the incident occurred.

Earlier today, Metrorail told News24 that its drivers had gone on strike after Botha’s killing.

Netreg is located in a gang-infested area and drivers had the unenviable task of working in such a volatile environment.

Regional manager Richard Walker said crime in areas where Metrorail operated needed decisive action from law enforcement agencies.

The operator offered its condolences to the man’s family.

“Our hearts go out to his family who must face the loss of a husband and father. His death is an enormous blow to his family and his colleagues,” Walker said.

Walker also apologised to commuters for the inconvenience.

Reporting by Mpho Raborife