EASTERN CAPE – A joint operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Transnet has resulted in the recovery of suspected stolen Transnet infrastructure valued at approximately R10 million and the arrest of two suspects in Qonce. The multidisciplinary raid, executed on 15 July 2026 at a scrap metal dealership in Ndevana, underscores ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat railway infrastructure vandalism and theft.
Acting on credible intelligence, a collaborative operational team comprising members of the Mount Ruth Rapid Rail Unit, Transnet officials, and the Ndevana SAPS conducted a targeted search at the Ndevana facility. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers intercepted two male suspects, aged 25 and 35, at the dealership.
During the premises search, Transnet officials positively identified multiple items belonging to the state-owned entity. The recovered assets included:
– 49 rolls of overhead track equipment;
– 18 railway rails weighing approximately 40 kilograms each;
– Four transformer batteries; and
– One bag containing damaged copper.
Following the successful recovery, both individuals were arrested and formally charged with possession of suspected stolen property and contravention of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015. A criminal case was initially registered at the Ndevana Police Station, after which the case docket was transferred to the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (OCI) Unit for advanced investigation.
The suspects made their first appearance at the Qonce Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2026. The 25-year-old accused was granted bail to facilitate ongoing investigative procedures. Conversely, the 35-year-old suspect, identified as the owner of the scrap metal dealership, was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to reappear before the same court on 28 July 2026.
SAPS representatives and Transnet officials confirmed that the joint operation remains part of a broader, sustained strategy to protect critical national infrastructure and hold those involved in the illicit scrap metal trade accountable.
