The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is shocked at the news that one of our members who is a Chuma Security employee was raped while on duty. Her male colleague who was with her at the time was also attacked.
This shocking incident happened in the early hours of Saturday morning on the 12th August 2017 while our members were patrolling the train coaches at Strand Metrorail New Yard in the Western Cape. They were confronted by knife wielding thugs who tied them up before robbing them and raping one of our members.
As NUMSA we are truly disturbed by the violence being meted out against workers while they are on duty. These barbaric criminal acts must stop! We call for an end to violence, particularly against women in our communities!
We have been providing support and assistance to our members. We have ensured that a criminal case has been opened with the SAPS in Strand. Furthermore, the victim is receiving much needed counseling and treatment to help her through her traumatic ordeal. We will also be following up with the Department of Labour to ensure that they are compensated for the injuries they suffered whilst on duty.
It has also been brought to our attention that this is not the first time that these incidents are taking place. In 2014 and 2015 there were other incidents of rape which occurred at the workplace, but nothing has been done by PRASA the employer to improve safety for our members! As NUMSA we will intensify the pressure on PRASA and Chuma Security to force them to do what is necessary to improve working conditions for all our members. They cannot use cost as an excuse, they must demonstrate that they value human lives, and the lives of their employees.s
We believe that this crime could have been prevented if more security guards were deployed to patrol these dangerous zones. We demand that Chuma management and PRASA urgently beef up security for the sake of the employees working there. As NUMSA we intend to meet with management soon to find a long term solution to this disastrous situation.
We will leave no stone unturned, until the perpetrators are brought to book and in ensuring that these two companies adhere to the law in improving working conditions for all workers.
We also want to express our deepest sympathies to our members and their families for the horrific ordeal that they have been subjected to. We will stand with them and do everything in our power to soothe the pain of their suffering. We will fight with them for justice.
Aluta continua!
The struggle continues!
Issued by
Vuyo Lufele
078 511 3043 and 072 389 0408
NUMSA Western Cape Regional Secretary
For interviews please contact:
Phakamile Hlubi
NUMSA National Spokesperson (Acting)
Cell: 083 376 7725