17 August 2022
As vital infrastructure is under attack by criminals, Ronald Lamola, minister of justice and correctional services, has authorized Transnet security officers to get peace officer status, giving them extra authority and enabling them to make arrests.
“As peace officers, Transnet’s security officers will be able (to) exercise powers in terms of Chapter 2 of the Criminal Procedures Act, thus enabling Transnet peace officers to make arrests and assist the National Prosecuting Authority with prosecutions. They will also be able to search premises, facilities, and people, complete dockets to ensure suspects are charged correctly, and assist with basic investigations,” Transnet said in a statement.
Over the past five years, Transnet Freight Rail has experienced an exponential rise in cable theft events, which has increased tonnage and revenue losses as well as repair expenses. A total of R4.1 billion has been lost due to the theft of more than 1 500km of the cable, a 1 096 percent increase in length over the previous five years, according to Transnet.
Security measures allowed Transnet Pipelines (TPL) to observe a decrease in incidents over the previous fiscal year; nevertheless, there has been an increase in recent months, primarily as a result of the rise in fuel prices. In the last three years, TPL has experienced an increase in volume loss of over 30 million litres, with a net financial impact of almost R1.1 billion over that time.
“Transnet security officers will go through rigorous training in compliance with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) requirements. On the successful completion of the training, candidates will be awarded a Certificate of Competency by the National Police Commissioner and receive SAPS appointment letters and Transnet appointment ID cards,” it said.
Trains are unable to run along many sections, and when they do, they must be pulled by diesel traction because the overhead electric cables are now in the hands of the scrap metal merchants, serving as clear evidence that eliminating an official police force within the parastatal was a complete failure.
Source: Transnet Media Statement