Transnet hails arrests in critical infrastructure theft crackdown

Transnet has expressed its satisfaction with recent law enforcement actions against theft of critical infrastructure, highlighting a significant breakthrough with the arrest of 21 individuals suspected of stealing vital equipment.

The suspects were apprehended on 1 September at a Transnet depot located in Swartkops, Gqeberha, following swift action from Transnet security personnel who spotted trespassers on the premises.

Upon notification, members of the police responded promptly, leading to the discovery of the suspects hiding at the depot with numerous bags that contained stolen items, including copper bus bars, transformers, electrical switches, copper cables, and electrical cables collectively valued at around R350 000.

This latest incident is part of an ongoing effort to combat the escalating issue of infrastructure theft which poses significant risks to South Africa's economy and public safety.

Just days later, on 3 September, police conducted a successful operation at an unregistered scrapyard in De Deur, Gauteng, resulting in the recovery of copper cable worth an estimated R3 million.

Five suspects were arrested during this operation, which was driven by intelligence-gathering efforts from a multidisciplinary team. The large quantities of copper cable seized were determined to originate from Transnet, along with homemade stoves believed to have been used for burning copper.

These five suspects are set to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court to face charges including possession of stolen infrastructure, dealing in second-hand goods without a license, and violations of the Immigration Act.

Michelle Phillips, Transnet's Group CEO, commended the recent arrests, recognising them as a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration between Transnet security and law enforcement entities.

"Our work is beginning to make serious inroads into dismantling the destructive criminal syndicates targeting essential infrastructure. We will continue to focus on fighting crimes that are responsible for the destruction of our essential infrastructure,” she stated.

In a broader context, Transnet also celebrated the successful conviction and sentencing of three individuals previously linked to cable theft. Prosecuted by the Molteno Regional Court in the Eastern Cape on 27 August, the criminals were handed sentences totalling 15 years for theft and possession of copper cables, in addition to a further three-month imprisonment for breaching the Immigration Act.

The case connected to this sentencing had arisen from intelligence-driven operations conducted back in December 2021, leading to the apprehension of vehicles transporting stolen copper in the Stormberg region.

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