44-year-old man hit by train to be laid to rest this weekend

A man who was killed by a train in Mamelodi will be laid to rest on Saturday.

The tragic accident unfolded near Mamelodi Garden railway station, when Dumisane Elias Skosana (44) from Nellmapius was fatally struck by a train while trying to cross a railway on the evening of May 30.

His brother, Michael, said the family has lost a breadwinner, and his absence will be felt by many people.

Skosana was the father of five children, two boys and three girls, including a grandson.

Michael described his brother as a loving and fun person.

The funeral service will take place at his family’s house in Lusaka, and Skosana will be buried at Heatherly cemetery.

According to Metrorail, the incident occurred when Skosana crossed the railway line.

Spokesperson Lillian Mofokeng said he had illegally attempted to cross the rail line while allegedly wearing earphones.

She said it was suspected that he was unaware of the approaching train.

Mofokeng said Skosana was hit as he attempted to cross the tracks near the end of the platform, ignoring safety protocols and designated pedestrian routes.

“Despite the train driver’s efforts to alert him with the horn, the individual, wearing earphones, did not respond to the warning,” said Mofokeng.

She said the impact of the collision was severe, with Skosana sustaining fatal injuries and becoming trapped beneath the train.

Mofokeng said emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, which resulted in a temporary suspension of train operations in the area.

Train services from Koedoespoort to Pienaarspoort were redirected to terminate at Eerste Fabrieke station, while routes from Koedoespoort to Mamelodi Gardens continued as scheduled.

“After the necessary protocols were followed, the train was cleared from the scene and returned to Pretoria station around 21:10. Subsequently, a forensic pathologist arrived, and the body was respectfully removed by approximately 22:15,” said Mofokeng.

She said by 22:27, the scene was cleared, and all train services were resumed.

She added that Metrorail had provided emotional support and counselling to the affected train crew, as is standard procedure following traumatic incidents of this nature.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

Mofokeng urged the public to exercise caution around railway infrastructure.

“Please cross only at designated areas. One life lost is one too many, and together we can strive to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future. Always be aware that where there is a track, there is possibly an approaching train,” she said.

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