Photo by: Creamer Media's Donna Slater
Seven criminals, found in possession of Transnet railway tracks in January, were sentenced to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to tampering with, damaging and destroying essential infrastructure.
In recent years, Transnet has experienced a sharp increase involving theft of cables and railway track, and has been working with law enforcement agencies to address the issue.
In its 2021/22 financial year, as much as 1 000 km of cable were stolen, up from 700 km the financial year prior, and 395 km in 2019/20.
The suspects were sentenced in mid-June, following their arrest in the Richmond area of Durban after private security officers apprehended and detained them before handing them over to the South African Police Services.
The ten years sentences are suspended for three years with certain conditions applying.
Transnet says it is “pleased” with the swift convictions and lauds law enforcement agencies for working together to bring these criminals to book.
“This serves as a warning and a deterrent to all those targeting essential infrastructure,” the entity says in a statement.
Transnet encourages members of the public to report any suspicious activities around railway lines to the Crime Stop Hotline on 08600 01000 or by sending an email to transnet@tip-off.com.
Information provided will be treated confidentially, Transnet assures the public.