Record 2 029 stop-and-searches, 534 hotspots and scrapyards inspected

Weekly statement on all rail enforcement actions – a joint media release from Metrorail, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government

The Rail Enforcement Unit (REU) made three arrests and inspected 534 hotspots and scrap yards this past week. This is in addition to the four suspects arrested by the PRASA Protection Services, SAPS Rapid Rail Response Unit and private security contractors. Read more below:

The REU arrested three suspects for possession of drugs and suspected stolen property in Pinelands, Bishop Lavis and the Cape Town Central Business District. Furthermore, a record 2 029 stop-and-searches were conducted and fines to the value of R76 950 were issued.

PRASA Protection Services and private security contractors arrested four suspects in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act which provides for stricter bail conditions and harsher sentences, including up to 30 years’ imprisonment, for those caught and convicted for destruction of essential infrastructure. There were 29 court appearances over the past week and bail was successfully opposed in all cases. 

PRASA dismantled 14 illegal structures within the rail reserve and removed these by truck. The 31 occupants were also removed, all in the section between Tygerberg and Parow, and in Cape Town.

‘We’ve seen Uber, minibus-taxis and buses increasingly targeted by criminals as well. It’s unacceptable that commuters should be at risk. This is why collaboration between law enforcement agencies is essential. Commuter reports of increased use of dangerous drugs on board, often in full view of fellow travellers and during peak hour periods, help law enforcement officers to proactively deploy resources to curb this practice before it becomes entrenched. We need commuters and members of the public to continue reporting. The information contributes to the identification of trends and hotspots which are resourced accordingly’, said Metrorail Western Cape Regional Manager, Richard Walker.

‘We’ve made a commendable impact on the rail commuter environment together with the Western Cape government and PRASA. We are happy to engage with any other public transport operator to see how we may assist, as no city can prosper and flourish without a functioning public transport system. Cape Town’s reputation as the most congested city in the country is being compounded by Eskom’s load-shedding woes – all the more reason why we need to have safe and reliable public transport options for our residents,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

‘It is becoming increasingly clear from reported statistics of arrests, stop-and-searches, and inspections of hotspot areas and scrapyards, that the rail network is becoming a no-go area for criminals. We must work together as enforcement authorities and the community at large to report and deter criminals from targeting the rail network for their nefarious activities. It is encouraging to see that the REU is continuing to focus its activities strategically in areas for optimal impact,’ said Donald Grant, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works and Chairperson of the Rail Management Task Team.

The public can assist the REU by reporting crime and vandalism, as this forms part of the intelligence that drives deployment and operations.