Train infrastructure theft still rampant, rail regulator report shows

A “staggering” 8,643 security-related incidents have been recorded on South African railways in the past year, prompting deputy transport minister Lisa Nkosinathi Mangcu to call for urgent, collaborative action to combat the criminality.

He was speaking after the release of the “State of Safety Report 2022/23” prepared under the aegis of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR).

“Security-related incidents constitute a mammoth challenge, with 97% of these incidents being theft and vandalism. Theft of assets alone accounted for 77.6% of the incidents, illustrating the gravity of these issues,” Mangcu said.

“In the heart of South Africa, our railways, the lifeblood of our nation, are at a crossroads. The report has cast a revealing light on the challenges and triumphs within our railway sector, and it underscores the urgency for co-operation among all stakeholders.

“Over five years, these negative events have persistently affected the safety profile of our railways. This is not a mere statistic but a call for resolute action and reform.”

According to the report, there were 1,833 “safety-related operational occurrences” which are listed as people-related occurrences, which would include pedestrians struck by trains or hurt by derailments, and spillage/leakage, explosion or loss of dangerous goods.

There were 92 fatalities and 175 injuries from safety-related operational occurrences and 13 fatalities and 58 injuries from security-related incidents.

Transnet Freight Rail recorded a decrease in train kilometres due to rolling stock unavailability floods, and vandalism. 

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa's production declined by 74%, primarily due to mainline passenger service disruptions and vandalism.

Conversely, Gautrain witnessed a 156% increase in train kilometres and a 136% rise in passenger kilometres.

RSR board chair Boy Johannes Nobunga said the entity is “committed to making tangible improvements to address these challenges head-on.

“We understand safety permits issuance, inspections, audit and the development of regulations and safety standards are crucial steps, and we will continue to work tirelessly in these areas to ensure the highest level of safety possible.

“We will be working closely with railway operators and relevant authorities to enhance safety measures, improve infrastructure, and contribute towards solutions to deter theft and vandalism. We also understand the importance of proactive safety measures at intersections, stations and platform-train interchanges.”

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