Swoop on rail hot spots
Seven arrests as REU shows its teeth in crackdown on illegal scrapyards and bucket shops
SEVEN arrests and more than 100 inspections were made at scrapyards and various rail hot spots by the Rail Enforcement Unit (REU).
In joint efforts made by the REU, the City of Cape Town and the provincial government, a series of inspections of scrapyards, bucket shops and hot spots this past week saw seven people arrested in the Woodstock and Claremont-Rondebosch area.
According to a Metrorail statement, seven people were held for possession of possible stolen property, theft, malicious damage to property, attempted robbery and possession of stolen property.
A number of confiscations were also made, including that of a 13-metre copper cable, seven units of liquor, four bags, two overalls, a saw, a blade and a knife.
Metrorail regional manager Richard Walker said collaboration was a positive step towards restoring the public’s faith in rail.
“We have seen how crime is displaced from one area to another as soon as we clamp down. The areas where the REU’s arrests were made this past week are known for anti-social behaviour, a source of concern to both residents and businesses.
“We remain open to joint initiatives and will engage the Chamber of Commerce and residents’ associations with a view to joining the fight against crime,” he said.
Mayco member for transport Felicity Purchase said she was eager to see more commuters returning to rail.
“The REU’s efforts to curtail metal theft will, over time, resonate in a more stable and reliable rail service which will ensure that this mode of transport becomes the first choice for those who use it to travel to and from work.
“A shift from road-based transport to rail will assist in alleviating congestion on roads during the peak-hour periods. This will have a big influence on our residents’ quality of life because the less time they spend on travelling, the more time they will have with their loved ones,” she said.
MEC for Transport and Public Works and chairperson of the Rail Management Task Team (RMTT) Donald Grant said he was pleased to see the REU continuing to focus sharply on criminal activity.
“It’s important commuters’ confidence in rail is immediately restored, and safety within the rail network remains top of mind.” |