Rail Enforcement Unit proves battle against vandals and copper thieves can be won
6 March 2019
In its first three months of operation the new Rail Enforcement Unit has already proved that the battle against copper thieves and vandals can be won, says the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In the past 12 months the value of damage to the Metro Rail system was R107.7m but in the three months from November last year to February this year the amount of damage sustained was zero, according to a joint report by Metrorail, the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government.
Ms Janine Myburgh, President of the Chamber, said this was due to the co-operation between all three organisations and private security. “When we all work together we can win this battle and save Cape Town’s vital rail system.”
In fact, the joint effort gained ground as the value of goods recovered during the three months was greater than the value of goods stolen with the losses due to theft amounting to R858 000 while the value of goods recovered was more than R2.6m.