Pretoria — Metrorail trains will not operate on New Year's Day in Gauteng following the killing of a train driver, said the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).

Train driver JP du Plessis was stabbed to death on Christmas Day.

"At approximately 5:15 pm, Mr JP Du Plessis a dedicated and loyal train driver was found dead with several stab wounds in a static train just outside Hercules Station in Pretoria," said Prasa spokesperson, Lillian Mofokeng.

An investigation into his death is underway.

As a preventative measure to avoid any potential recurrences of such incidents over the festive season, no train service will operate in the Gauteng province on 1 January in honour of the slain driver for the dedication and passion he had in serving commuters, said Prasa.

With immediate effect, all trains scheduled will operate until 6pm in Gauteng for the festive season until 4 January 2013.

"This gruesome killing of our driver while serving our commuters is strongly condemned. Condolences to his family, all Train Operations management, staff and the entire Gauteng Metrorail family," said Tembela Kulu, Provincial Manager: Gauteng Metrorail.

Prasa called on those with information that will assist in the investigation and arrest of the perpetrators of the incident to contact the Protection Services Department on (012) 315 2566.