Johannesburg - The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Sunday claimed that it had documents showing Metrorail intends to cancel contracts with companies providing security in its train stations.

"Leaked documents indicate that Metrorail will on March 12, 2010, cancel contracts with security companies that have been providing safety and security services to commuters at train stations," said DA MP and transport spokesperson Manny de Freitas.

He said that Metrorail cancelled the contracts after security companies raised their staff wages.

"When suppliers turned to the courts for relief, Metrorail opted to terminate the contracts in order to avoid paying the increases," said de Freitas.

De Freitas said he was informed by Metrorail staff that security responsibilities left open by the termination of contracts will be fulfilled by 2 000 volunteers from the SA Commuters Organisation.

The DA intends to issue parliamentary questions to the Minister of Transport on the issue of security at train stations.

Metrorail could not immediately be reached for comment.

- Sapa