TRANSNET says it has lost 1 500km of cables to theft in the current financial year.
To fight cable theft, it has teamed up with police and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to fight cable theft and vandalism.
About R1,5 billion has been set aside for this purpose.
And the partnership is starting to yield results.
One suspect was bust on Monday with suspected stolen copper worth R50 000 in Springs, Ekurhuleni.
Sergeant Themba Tshabalala said on Sunday, 4 September, at about 10pm, a security officer was on duty near Eastvale and she heard a loud bang. Upon investigation she noticed that it was the substation that had tripped.
ALSO READ: PICS: Nine killed in horror crash!
Tshabalala said upon further investigation, security found the Transnet cable had been cut and stolen.
A case docket of cable theft was then opened.
Station commander Brigadier Thembeka Gwebushe of Springs police summoned the task team and instructed them to investigate the matter with immediate effect.
“On Monday, the task team traced and arrested a man (48). He was found with the suspected stolen copper to value of about R50 000.”
Gwebushe applauded the Ekurhuleni essential infrastructure task team for their swift movement in tracing the suspect, who faces charges for possession of suspected stolen property and tampering with essential infrastructure.
The suspect will appear before the Springs Magistrates Court during the course of the week.
