Efforts to curb the theft of critical railway infrastructure are yielding positive results, with 46 suspects arrested for various incidents in October.

Three suspects were recently convicted and sentenced for tampering with the railway infrastructure used to transport coal, platinum and chrome from Rustenburg and Thabazimbi to Richards Bay. They were each sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.

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“Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) security officers acting on a tip-off apprehended the suspects while they were committing the crime, and SAPS members arrested them.

“This outcome sends a strong message to the criminals syndicate that theft and vandalism on the rail network will not be tolerated.

“In sentencing, the court emphasised the seriousness of tampering with essential infrastructure and its impact on Transnet and the broader economy,” said acting general manager for security and forensic, Neil Naidu.

Transnet last week reported that 10 incidents of theft and tampering with critical infrastructure were reported last month on the container corridor, while seven and one occurred on the Cape and North Corridor – the Richards Bay coal line – respectively.

“Transnet applauds its security teams and law enforcement who diligently monitor, investigate and apprehend those responsible for criminal activities on the rail network,” said Transnet in a statement.

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