Transnet loses R1.3m to theft and vandalism

Cable theft and vandalism at Transnet Engineering’s Swartkops depot in Gqeberha have resulted in direct losses of over R1.3m in the past two financial years, according to the company.

Internal figures show that 20 security incidents were recorded at the depot between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, resulting in losses of R1.2m.

Only R21,000 worth of stolen property was recovered during the period, and the depot also recorded three shooting incidents.

Incidents have declined, but infrastructure crime remains a concern, with five security incidents recorded from April 1 to date, resulting in losses of R145,151.

No stolen property was recovered during this period, and one shooting incident was reported.

Transnet Engineering continues to face persistent security challenges at its Swartkops depot, where criminal activities such as cable theft and vandalism of locomotives and rail infrastructure have had a significant impact on operations, service delivery, and the safety of employees and surrounding communities.

By engaging directly with local communities and creating awareness of career, skills development, and enterprise opportunities, Transnet Engineering aims to discourage criminal activities, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and inspire young people to become productive contributors to South Africa’s economy while safeguarding critical rail infrastructure.

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Swartkops is one of 10 areas identified by Transnet Engineering for targeted community engagement to help address infrastructure-related crime.

The company is hosting a community engagement and career expo in Swartkops to raise awareness about infrastructure crime and encourage communities to help protect rail infrastructure.

The expo will bring together Transnet operating divisions, local government, community leaders, educators, school pupils, and residents, providing information on careers, bursaries, apprenticeships, skills development, supplier opportunities, and youth programmes in the Transnet Group.

They will provide pupils and unemployed youth with information about career opportunities across the Transnet Group, including employment and bursary opportunities, skills development and apprenticeship programmes, enterprise and supplier development initiatives, procurement processes, supplier registration, and youth development programmes.

For now, the focus remains on addressing the immediate concerns at the Swartkops depot and finding ways to prevent future incidents of cable theft and vandalism.

Transnet Engineering is working to implement community engagement initiatives.