Theft of rails and sleepers results in serious danger
Heavy haul freight rail operator, Transnet, says the theft of materials along its rail network is increasing, especially that of railway lines.
MBOMBELA – Although there is a higher occurrence of this crime in the Johannesburg metropolitan area, the company’s Mike Asefovitz said it is a problem which affects all provinces.
According to Asefovitz, two locomotives of the Phelophepa Health Train derailed due to stolen rails on the running line between Sewefontein and Moedig on June 16.
“On June 17 (a train with the same number) derailed in the section between Carolina and Machadodorp due to the rails having been stolen. Fortunately, there were no fatalities in this instance,” he explained.
Phelophepa train manager, Angie Mokoena, confirmed the June 17 accident, saying it delayed their arrival in Komatipoort by three days.
“The driver was driving slowly and carefully, and luckily no one was harmed,” Mokoena said.
Theft of cables, railway lines, sleepers, nuts, bolts and safety signage has long been a problem along Transnet’s rail network.
“These materials are taken to scrapyards in exchange for cash. The financial consequences of this kind of theft have a detrimental effect on the company’s bottom line, as it directly impacts (Transnet’s) ability to deliver to customers, which greatly affects the South African economy at large,”
Asefovitz said.
Also read: Passenger killed in head-on collision
Transnet Freight Rail operates mainly on steel sleepers as the wooden ones are only used in branch lines, which have begun phasing out.
Asefovitz added that in cases where the wooden sleepers are stolen, the wood is usually used for furniture or fires.
A concerned Graskop resident, whose property borders the railway lines, said he thinks people are stealing the expensive teak sleepers to make curios to sell to visitors to the well-known tourist town.
Thaba Chweu spokesman, Puleng Mapheto, said the railway lines are not within the municipality’s operations, but strongly warned criminals to refrain from such “barbaric acts”.
“The municipality does not condone criminal activity and we are closely working with law enforcers to eradicate it within Thaba Chweu.”
Asefovitz stressed that the effects of rail theft go beyond finances.
“Most incidents result in loss of life or serious injury to Transnet Freight Rail employees. (We appeal) to the public to assist in the fight against crime,” he said.
• The public can convey information through Transnet Freight Rail’s toll-free number: 0800-003-056. Rewards will be paid to individuals who provide positive information which leads to the recovery of stolen property or the arrest of criminals.
Also read: Heartwarming: Bus driver carries elderly passenger off the vehicle
