Media Releases: 2005
Overhead cable theft causes serious disruptions to Spoornet service
Cable theft in the Gauteng region in the early hours of this morning seriously disrupted Spoornet's traffic flow between Johannesburg and Durban; Johannesburg to Vaal; and Johannesburg to Limpopo. The commodities affected varied from cement, coal, iron ore, cars, and container traffic and also included passenger trains.
The theft of overhead cables on the rail line has reached unprecedented levels, with an average of 8 trains cancelled per day due to cable theft. The direct cost to the company is more than R1.6 million per day and the consequential losses due to the knock on effect, runs into many millions more. This hurts not only Spoornet and its customers, but also South Africa as a whole, because when consignments fail to reach their international destinations on time the country's reputation suffers because overseas markets view us as unreliable and inefficient and could switch to other suppliers.
The consequence of cable theft is not limited to financial losses but can also result in human disaster and tragedy as witnessed in the train derailment in Maryvale in which several passengers lost their lives and the recent burning of passenger coaches. These were all the result of cable theft.
Cable theft also often lead to the destruction of Spoornet assets such as locomotives and wagons and can cost the company millions of rands in repairs and replacement.
Spoornet is faced with the challenge of having to secure some 30 000 km of rail track with limited security resources. Nonetheless hot-spots have been identified, several syndicates arrested and innovative technology applied, such as replacing the overhead copper wire cables with tiger wire which doesn't have a high resale value. Spoornet is also working closely with the criminal justice system to ensure that the full might of the law is applied to those found guilty.
Spoornet appeals to the public to assist in the fight against crime. The public can convey information through Spoornet's toll-free number: 0800 117 997 and rewards of up to R 25 000 will be paid to individuals who provide positive information that leads to the recovery of Spoornet property and/or the arrest and conviction of perpetrators of crime against Spoornet.
Issued by Spoornet Corporate Communications.
Enquiries:
Spoornet's Spokesperson
Molatwane Likhethe
Tel. 011-774 4400
Cel. 083 300 9586
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