Security costs TFR half a billion rand

Transnet Freight Rail is spending half a billion rand on security as issues like cable theft continue to stymie its efforts to provide a predictable and reliable service, acting CEO Tau Morwe told a media gathering in Johannesburg last week. Theft and sabotage across the network are among the rail utility’s most pressing business challenges. This includes cable theft, theft of components like locomotive batteries and parts, and theft of equipment and track. In 2007/08 there were 1786 incidents of theft and vandalism. This jumped to 2073 in 08/09 and currently stands at 1506 for 09/10, with copper wire theft on a continuing upward spiral and contributing significantly to service disruptions. “A few weeks back the export coal line was almost brought to a standstill because there were so many incidents of cable theft,” Morwe said. And it’s not possible to solve the issue of cable theft by merely putting more guards along the track. “We need the capability to know where and who makes up the syndicate. And it’s not individuals but organised international syndicates that would need resources at a higher level to crack.” Morwe would like to see TFR replicating the banking industry’s approach to dealing with cash-in-transit heists. “That means intensified intelligence and strategic alliances with the Hawks, railway police and the National Prosecuting Authority. “We will also continue community engagement in crime awareness initiatives.”