Joint onslaught gets the better of copper thieves

Safety and security remains a serious concern for Transnet Freight Rail which has in recent months partnered with the South African Police Service in an effort to clamp down on crime. Cable thieves especially have found themselves facing the wrath of the law following the implementation of several new policies by TFR. According to Frans Seloane, executive manager: operations container and automotive business unit, overhead cable theft remains a major problem, but by targeting syndicates notable successes have been achieved. “A syndicate of seven suspects was arrested with 387kg of contact wire and a Toyota Quantum in their possession on the East Rand, while a major scrap deal owner was also arrested along with five other suspects after being found in possession of 3000kg of contact and catenary wire on the East Rand.” Some 101 suspects have been arrested since May this year alone for overhead cable theft. “In May we introduced a specialised service provider while we have also employed a further 65 TFR security personnel to address the theft issue. We are also working with communities to raise awareness around cable theft and to have them alert us when they see theft occurring.” Seloane says another major initiative that has had a big impact has been a campaign to speak to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across the country about the impact of cable theft. “In the past we found that suspects were released with a fine or light sentence as cable theft was not seen as too serious. Having now actively engaged with the law enforcement agencies and the prosecutors and explained to them how the entire country is held ransom because of cable theft and the severe impact on the economy, we are seeing harsher punishments being meted out.”