Metrorail
in the Western Cape is closing in on criminals following the arrests of five
people on Thursday 1 February in Bonteheuwel.
According
to spokesperson Riana Scott, during a special operation, two men were arrested
between Netreg and Bontheuwel, still in possession of stolen railway cables.
“Ninety
minutes later, three more arrests were made in the same area, also for being in
possession of stolen railway components. All five suspects were handed over to
Bishop Lavis police for processing in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment
Act.”
Metrorail’s
regional manager, Richard Walker, says the assistance of the public plays a
significant role in such arrests: “Scores of tip-offs reach our offices and we
follow up on every one – most yield positive results.”
Trains on
the central line remain closed with no tickets being sold.
The railway
company says a multifunctional team of engineering, train operations and safety
and security personnel are working around the clock to ensure that all the
components of the suspended central line’s service recovery plan are
implemented as soon as safely possible.
“Communities
adjacent to the railway lines are advised that the overhead electricity remains
live while technicians are working on the line. Traction power is 11 kilovolts
and 50 times more potent than domestic electricity – any interference with the
system can lead to electrocution,” says Scott.
Bishop
Lavis police spokesperson, Captain Ettienne Conradie, has confirmed that the
five men, aged between 17 and 34 years, were arrested while officers were doing
operational duties.
“The
officers found the five busy with cable theft on the Bonteheuwel railway lines.
“SAPS once
again appeals to the community to come forward to stop crime, as this type of
crime not only hampers rail transport and the economy, but also endangers the
lives of the perpetrators,” says Conradie.
Scott, of
Metrorail, says the public is encouraged to keep reporting suspected criminal
activity to the police. Full anonymity of the information sources is guaranteed
and a reward of up to R25 000 is payable for any information leading to a
successful conviction.
