Transnet has announced the arrest of 17 suspects in separate incidents nationwide, attributing these arrests to their firm commitment to reducing vandalism and the theft of essential infrastructure across their network.

The SAPS and Transnet security personnel executed a multi-pronged security and intelligence operation that led to these arrests. The suspects were arrested in six separate incidents between September 9 and 10. 

“These arrests demonstrate our strong resolve in curbing the prevalence of vandalism and essential infrastructure theft within our network. It is also indicative that our focused approach towards enhancing our stakeholder collaboration and holding our security service providers to a higher performance standard is beginning to yield positive results,” said Transnet group chief executive Michelle Phillips. 

The six incidents where the suspects were arrested: 

In Swartkops, Gqeberha, on September 10, security officers reported five suspects in the vicinity of several locomotives. SAPS and the Rapid Response Police Unit (RRPU) were alerted, leading to the apprehension of five suspects on four different locomotives. They were subsequently taken to the Swartkops police station.

In the Western Cape, two incidents were reported on September 9. In the first incident, security officers, after closely monitoring a vehicle, stopped it near the Huguenot Tunnel. The driver was arrested, but the passengers managed to flee. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered approximately 300kg of burnt coax copper cable. The suspect was charged in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act at the Rawsonville SAPS.

In Bellville, Transnet security personnel caught a suspect tampering with essential infrastructure shortly after midnight. They contacted the RRPU, and the suspect was arrested.

In KwaZulu-Natal, on September 9, a train at Ladysmith Station in Ladysmith was targeted while awaiting changeover into Danskraal Yard, whereby suspects cut a seal on a wagon carrying vehicles. One suspect was arrested after attempting to steal a spare wheel and accessories. 

In the North West, five suspects were arrested at Bloemhof-Hoopstad on the N12 by SAPS members after receiving a tip-off to intercept a vehicle. Copper cable with a street value of about R60,000 was found inside the vehicle. 

Additionally, acting on a tip-off, police arrested four men who were found with pieces of catenary wire. The suspects have been charged with the illegal possession of essential infrastructure and violating the Immigration Act. They were detained at Bloemhof SAPS.

Transnet extended its commendation to all stakeholders involved in the recent arrests and those reported in recent weeks. These include the National Logistics Crisis Committee Workstream 7, SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, Eskom, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, and other state entities such as the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Transnet also expressed its gratitude to its Transnet security teams, who, daily, navigate this portfolio, working with all stakeholders to protect the rail network and essential infrastructure.

Meanwhile, on September 3, police arrested five suspects and recovered copper cable worth approximately R3 million at an unregistered scrapyard in De Deur, Gauteng.

In another incident, police arrested 21 suspects at a Transnet depot in Swartkops, Gqeberha, on September 1 for critical infrastructure theft. They were found with bags of stolen copper bus bars, transformers, electrical switches, and copper and electrical cables, valued at approximately R350,000.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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