More than 169 suspects were arrested for cable theft between August and October, with 20% of them convicted and the remainder awaiting trial.
The success, says Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), is a result of joint efforts by Transnet and other stakeholders – including law enforcement agencies and customers.
“The theft of overhead cables on Transnet’s lines has reached unprecedented levels in the last year. This not only has a negative impact on the company, but has a knock-on impact on Transnet’s customers and the economy as a whole,” says TFR’s chief executive Sizakele Mzimela.
In a bid to step up the war against vandalism and sabotage of railway infrastructure and equipment TFR is improving the security of wagons in transit to limit access to cargo and investing in technology to ensure that incidents such as copper theft are eradicated - particularly on the Natcor and Central Corridors.
The rail utility has appealed to the public to report railway equipment theft and vandalism by calling the anonymous hotline number 0800 003 056, emailing transnet@tip-offs.com, or reporting the matter to the nearest police station.