Transnet Voices Concern at Increased Levels of Violence in Thefts

Several Transnet contract security officials have been fatally injured by criminals stealing overhead copper cables this past month. This is an untenable situation and calls for drastic action.

“Transnet Freight Rail condems the level of violence meted out on its security personnel who are employed to safeguard and secure the company’s essential infrastructure. These violent, murderous acts cannot go unchallenged and the perpetrators must feel the full might of the law; once arrested they should be handed the maximum possible sentence,” said Marius Bennett, TFR’s General Manager, Security and Forensics.

Transnet Freight Rail’s security efforts have led to a significant decrease in security related incidents. For the financial year (2022/23) year to date there has been a decrease of 22% in the number of security incidents from 3 180 incidents to 2 520 incidents when compared to the previous financial year 2021/22 over the same period. Similarly, there has been a reduction of 33% in the length of cable stolen from 1 206 608 metres to 811 671 metres over the same period of comparison. However, It is estimated that the volume lost due to security incidents for the financial year (2022/23) year to date (as at end of Dec 2022) is 5 509 185 tons.

Cable Theft is not a Transnet issue but a South Africa issue as it has dire consequences for the country. Transnet Freight Rail appeals to the general public to assist in the fight against this scourge by contacting Transnet Freight Rail Essential Infrastructure Crime hotline on 0800 8000 34 or the Crime-Stop hotline on 0860 010111 to report any suspicious activities near and around the rail network.