Prasa has been held fully liable after a woman was dragged from a moving train while doors were open.
The Western Cape High Court in Cape Town has held the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) fully liable for damages suffered by a commuter who was dragged and thrown from a moving train during a violent robbery 15 years ago.
Acting Judge Yake on 26 August 2026, the court ruled that Prasa breached its public legal duty by allowing carriage doors to remain open while the train was in motion, exposing rail users to severe foreseeable harm.
The incident occurred in May 2011 while Aisha Barnabas was travelling on a Prasa-operated train from Cape Town to Mitchell's Plain via Nyanga.
Due to a lack of seating, Barnabas was forced to stand in the middle of the carriage. While standing, a group of approximately five men began robbing passengers. As terrified commuters panicked and moved toward the back of the carriage, Barnabas was pushed toward the open doorway.
