Prasa, Yellowwood Park SPF, and community behind arrest of 98 suspects in 2.5 years for railway track theft, damage

A thief died after he was electrocuted when he tried to steal copper. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo African News Agency (ANA)

A thief died after he was electrocuted when he tried to steal copper. Picture: Doctor Ngcobo African News Agency (ANA)

Published Jul 3, 2022

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Durban - Joint operations between the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), Yellowwood Park Sector Policing Forum, and the community have been involved in the arrest of 98 suspects in the last 2.5 years, for theft or damage to critical infrastructure on the railway tracks.

Jacques Stephens, an active community member, who has assisted in many different roles, made the revelation when providing a feedback report.

He said he had received the feedback on Tuesday night, regarding convictions on the arrests.

Here is a breakdown of their court appearances:

  • 70% of the suspects have already gone through the court system.
  • One suspect has been found not guilty so far.
  • Six suspects were deported back to their country of origin.
  • Most suspects have received five, eight, 10 or 12 years of imprisonment.
  • Nineteen suspects have received 17 years of imprisonment.

“There are a lot of cases scheduled for the month of July and I will post a more detailed conviction breakdown at the end of July,” added Stephens.

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