On 14 February 2023, around 22h40 following a tip off, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) officials rushed to the scene in Pepworth D, upon their arrival security officers were hard at work chasing after the suspects, drones were also dispatched during this time, and one suspect was apprehended and handed over to the SAPS.
The crime scene was subsequently searched. It was discovered that 1 span of Contact and Catenary cable was cut and stolen on the loop-line, another 2 spans of Contact and Catenary cable was also cut on line 2. All items were successfully recovered. The suspect arrested will appear in court on 23 February 2023.
On 15 February 2023, at approximately 06h08, TFR Investigations officials received information about suspicious individuals found on a farm near Lidgetton, in the provinces Midlands. After investigations and interviews, it was confirmed that these individuals were Overhead Traction Equipment (OHTE) thieves. Seven spans of Contact and Catenary cables were stolen and buried in various locations between Nottingham road and Balgowan.
The cables stolen were estimated at a rand value of R141 450.00, all stolen items were successfully recovered. Four suspects believed to be part of a cable theft syndicate were apprehended, these suspects are positively linked to other cases of cable theft that occurred in recent days.
TFR General Manager for Security and Forensics Marius Bennett said TFR intends to strongly contest and oppose all bail applications. “Our crime prevention strategies are yielding positive results with more than 1352 suspects arrested from the 1st of April 2023 to date. Cable theft remains a key concern in our operations, we would like to express gratitude to all role players and urge them to continue providing information ensuring the successful prosecution of criminals destroying essential infrastructure. We call on all members of the public to report any suspicious activity on the TFR Cable theft hotline at 0 800 8000 34,” he added.