Rats, Neglect, and a Community Left to Fend for Itself: The Crisis at Lentegeur Station

By Zanele Mokoena for Rainbow Report

A rat infestation along a key commuter pathway near Lentegeur Metrorail station has exposed the ongoing neglect of public infrastructure in Mitchells Plain. Residents, schoolchildren, and shoppers are forced to navigate a route overrun with rodents, while the state-owned Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) claims it was unaware of the problem. This is not just a health hazard. It is yet another chapter in the long story of how black working-class communities are left to bear the consequences of institutional neglect.

What is happening at the Lentegeur pathway?

The pathway in question sits on PRASA-owned land near Hyacinth Primary School. It is a vital artery for residents heading to the local marketplace and other destinations. But instead of a safe, clean walkway, commuters are met with filth and rats. Lentegeur resident Aisha Baker, who uses the route almost daily, described a disturbing scene.

“I use that route most of the time. I saw a group of boys coming from the shop looking for something. As I came closer, one of them shouted, ‘There’s a rat, there it runs,’ and they started trying to catch it,” Baker said.

She added: “Another morning, I was afraid to walk there because the rats were there. It is filthy. I even spotted them myself.”

Who is responsible for this neglect?

Baker reported the matter to Ward 76 councillor Avron Plaatjies. Plaatjies confirmed that he had approached PRASA but received no response. His frustration is palpable.

“PRASA has neglected its property and they have to take accountability to repair and clean up this space. This site looks terrible, and I stand with this resident and many other complainants that PRASA must clean up their space,” he said.

Plaatjies welcomed the return of train services to the area but made it clear that the surrounding infrastructure cannot be ignored. “We are happy that the trains are running again, but PRASA has to clean up their station for the wellbeing of our residents,” he said.

PRASA’s response: a familiar pattern of denial

When asked for comment, PRASA Western Cape spokesperson Zinobulali Mihi said the matter had not previously been brought to the attention of the responsible departments. She stated that PRASA takes reports relating to safety and health seriously, and that the relevant departments would conduct inspections.

“If inspections confirm the presence of rats or related pest activity, PRASA will appoint a qualified pest control service provider to implement the required treatment and eradication measures,” Mihi said.

This response rings hollow for a community that has seen PRASA’s promises before. The agency’s claim of ignorance is hard to swallow given that the pathway is a well-known public route used daily by hundreds of people. The pattern is clear: black townships and working-class areas are routinely neglected until a crisis forces action. And even then, the response is often slow, bureaucratic, and inadequate.

Why does this matter for Mitchells Plain?

Mitchells Plain was created under apartheid as a dumping ground for coloured and black families forcibly removed from areas designated white. Decades later, the legacy of that spatial engineering remains. Infrastructure in these communities is chronically underfunded and poorly maintained. A rat infestation is not an isolated incident. It is a symptom of a system that still devalues black lives.

The health risks are real. Rats carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus. For children walking to Hyacinth Primary School, the danger is immediate. For elderly residents and those with compromised immune systems, the threat is even greater.

What must be done?

PRASA must immediately inspect the site and, if confirmed, deploy pest control measures. But the solution cannot stop there. The agency must be held accountable for the long-term maintenance of its properties. Community oversight committees should be empowered to report neglect without bureaucratic delays. And the City of Cape Town must step in where PRASA fails, because the health of Mitchells Plain residents is not negotiable.

As Aisha Baker put it: “Immediate intervention is required to address the infestation and prevent further risks to the public.”

We agree. And we will be watching.

FAQ

Is the rat infestation at Lentegeur station confirmed?

PRASA has not yet confirmed the infestation, but a resident and a ward councillor have reported seeing rats. PRASA has promised to inspect the site.

What health risks do rats pose?

Rats can carry diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus. Their presence near a school and marketplace is a serious public health concern.

Who is responsible for cleaning up PRASA property?

PRASA is responsible for maintaining its own land and stations. The ward councillor has called on the agency to act, and the community is demanding accountability.