Qonce, Eastern Cape – Two suspects have been arrested following a joint operation in which suspected stolen Transnet infrastructure worth approximately R10 million was recovered in Ndevana Location, outside Qonce.
The operation was carried out on 15 July by members of the Mount Ruth Rapid Rail Unit, Transnet officials and Ndevana SAPS.
Suspected Stolen Infrastructure Recovered
Acting on information received, the joint team conducted a search at a scrap metal dealership in Ndevana. Two men, aged 25 and 35, were found at the premises.
During the search, several items were identified by Transnet officials as belonging to the entity.
The recovered items included 49 rolls of overhead track equipment, 18 railway rails weighing approximately 40 kilograms each, four transformer batteries and a bag containing damaged copper.
As a result, the two suspects were arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property. They were also charged with contravention of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015.
Case Transferred for Further Investigation
A criminal case was opened at Ndevana Police Station. The docket was subsequently transferred to the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation.
The suspects appeared before the Qonce Magistrate’s Court on 17 July.
The 25-year-old suspect was released on bail. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old owner of the scrap metal dealership was remanded in custody.
He is expected to appear before the same court again on 28 July.
SAPS Commends Joint Operation
Buffalo City District Commissioner Major General Christopher Wright commended the police members and Transnet officials for their coordinated efforts to protect the country’s critical infrastructure.
“We commend our members and our partners at Transnet for their swift action and commitment in bringing those responsible to book. SAPS remains resolute in dismantling criminal networks involved in infrastructure-related crimes and urges communities to continue providing information that will assist in the fight against crime,” said Major General Wright.
