A joint operation between the South African Police Services, Transnet and Western Cape Metrorail Protection Services, arrested six suspects on Tuesday for being in possession of stolen railway cables.
Twenty-four officials and eight vehicles were
deployed in four teams to conduct foot patrols and scrap yard inspections.
‘’Fifteen individuals and 14 vehicles were
searched resulting in the arrest of six suspects. One vehicle and 31kg cabling
positively identified as rail catenary cable (estimated value R190 000.00) were
confiscated. The arrests were made in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment
Act on charges of damage to essential infrastructure and being in possession of
stolen property,’’ says Riana Scott, MetroRail Western Cape.
Acting Regional Manager Raymond Maseko said the
collaboration between rail operators and law enforcement agencies is
invaluable: ‘’We have had exceptional support from provincial and Railway Police
with excellent results’.
‘’Our stakeholders and communities are equally
valuable resources in the fight against metal theft; they provide intelligence
and information which are taken into account when planning crime combatting
operations,’’ Maseko added.
In a separate incident, on Monday, a number of suspects
were found in possession of copper cabling and a significant amount of cash,
amongst those a Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) employee.
‘’The cash was allegedly to bribe Prasa
employees. An employee was arrested shortly afterwards as a result of the
information provided. All the cable was recovered. All suspects are being
detained at Woodstock SAPS.’’
Maseko commended the Regional Security Manager
and his teams, saying their commitment to stop the scourge of vandalism was
highly appreciated: “Our collective focus is to restore and improve the train
service against all odds. Sadly those odds include our own employees.’’
The Acting Regional Manager encouraged
employees and the public to continue reporting such crimes.
Done By: Mitchum George
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