Metal thieves in South Africa have stolen millions of rands of working railway tracks, causing damage to South Africa’s railway infrastructure.

A significant amount of railway tracks are stolen from train stations on the South Coast. These train stations were once a hive of activity as locals used this mode of transport to commute.

Mr Botha, a local, said he was shocked when he recently discovered the destruction and theft of railway tracks at the Scottburgh train station.

A Prasa contractor working at the station indicated to him that the station ticket office and toilet facilities have also been vandalised with windows, light fittings, pipes, etc, stolen from the station buildings, which looked as if it is occupied by people at night.

Mr Botha said it is sad that criminals have destroyed South Africa’s railway system in many parts of the country, which was once a thriving mode of transportation for everyone.

“It is a wonder how they could transport such large and heavy steel tracks without being seen. The theft has been going on for a long time now. It appears the SAPS have their hands tied – unless they catch these guys in the act, but surely someone somewhere has seen or heard something as these items are going to scrap dealers. Criminals are destroying our town’s infrastructure and adding to the crime rate, and it needs to stop,” said Mr Botha.

More woes

The plundering of the railway system accelerated during the hard lockdown, preventing trains from operating, but this was further exacerbated on the South Coast by the floods that damaged the railway track.

Numerous sections of the KZN passenger railway were severely damaged by floods and this has prevented trains from operating on the South Coast toward Kelso.

Infrastructure vandalism and theft, which amounts to billions in damage, sometimes happen in broad daylight or at night.

Most of the stolen items are sold for scrap or, in some cases, used for building materials. Added to the theft and vandalism are illegal dumping at these stations and the lack of maintenance.

Prasa’s plans

Locals have complained of the train stations now being havens for criminals. Prasa KZN communications, marketing and stakeholder manager Zama Nomnganga said Prasa is aware of the situation, and as part of the recovery, has added private securities in addition to the Prasa Protection services to curb the theft and vandalism since the implementation of the recovery process.

“Prasa KZN is pleased to announce the resumption of train services between Durban to uMbongintwini and uMbongintwini to Winkelspruit that is South Coast service available for now while Prasa is busy with appointments of contractors to rebuild the infrastructure.

“The South Coast service was reintroduced after it was suspended due to theft, vandalism, and the impact of floods that distracted the rail infrastructure in the north, west, and south. All these areas were affected by theft and vandalism, [and] then by the floods. The South Coast was severely affected by floods, but 85% of rail infrastructure has been recovered in places like Iphahla,” said Nomnganga.

Prasa has since embarked on the national infrastructure recovery, including stations vandalised during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In some areas in the south, we are busy with signalling issues led by theft and vandalism – going through all that infrastructure is a part of rehabilitation. Prasa security is on high alert as there is an element of criminality, namely vandalism of rail infrastructure, theft of signalling cables, and the vandalism of station buildings,” Nomnganga concluded.

The public is urged to report any act of theft and vandalism that they may witness on railway reserves to 031 813 0500/0539.