Nine arrests in the bag

Weekly statement on Rail Enforcement Unit – a joint media release from Metrorail, the City Of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government

The Rail Enforcement Unit (REU) this past week made nine arrests, conducted 79 inspections and issued fines to the value of R3 800. Read more below:

Members of the REU’s deployment conducted 396 stop and search actions over the past week. Seventy-nine hot spots were also visited. 

‘While we welcome the additional arrests of perpetrators of cable theft and vandalism, not a single scrap dealer or bucket shop owner has yet been arrested. These are the brains behind a thriving largely cash-based industry that abuses the dire circumstances of individuals for their own profit’ said Metrorail Western Cape Regional Manager Richard Walker.

‘The inspection of 79 hot spot-areas and scrap yards is commendable. This sends a strong message to those dealing in scrap metal that we’ll take action against dealers who’re selling stolen infrastructure that is needed to operate our urban rail service. Our urban rail system is Cape Town’s most valuable public transport asset. We’re working with our partners to get the rail service back on track, and I want to assure commuters we will succeed,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Transport, Alderman Felicity Purchase.

‘There cannot continue to be a market for criminals to profit from their attacks on rail infrastructure. We must work together and do all we can not only to protect rail infrastructure from criminal elements seeking to pillage the rail network, but also to eliminate the avenues that allow the crime to be profitable. We are pleased with the strategic focus that the REU has exhibited in carrying out its duties, and remain confident about the work that it is doing to deter crime,’ said Minister of Transport and Public Works and Chairperson of the RMTT, Donald Grant.

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

Illicit and suspicious activity may be reported to any number listed below:

Rewards of up to R25 000 are payable for information leading to successful conviction