NRZ commends judiciary in crackdown against vandals

THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has commended the judiciary for ensuring the protection of key infrastructure through imposing stiff penalties on those guilty of vandalism.

NRZ's Loss Control and Security Branch recorded 27 cases of theft and vandalism of its properties, and infrastructure, worth US$16 925, in the past two months.

In a statement, NRZ public affairs and stakeholder relations manager, Andrew Kunambura, said they were pleased with the arrest rate of the vandals.

‘‘Following investigations, 53 people were arrested and property worth US$15 959 was recovered.

‘‘The property stolen included copper cables, wagon components, ballast (quarry stone used to stabilise rail), steel sleepers and transformer components,''he said.

Seven of the arrested people were convicted and received varying sentences ranging from fines to prison terms.

Fifteen cases are still pending at the courts and five are still under investigation.

‘‘One of the arrested vandals, Jeffery Zulu, was sentenced to 10 years in jail for stealing transformer components worth US$600.

‘‘NRZ is also pleased that the courts are working to ensure that rail infrastructure, which is key in the on-going national economic advancement, is protected by imposing such stiff penalties.

‘‘Theft of components can have a significant impact on NRZ operations as trains cannot pass over sections with missing rail parts and this could lead to derailments,'' he added.

The NRZ has strengthened its Loss Control and Security Branch with additional manpower and training to boost its surveillance capacity.

It has also allocated vehicles and motorcycles to improve the department's mobility. He said they were grateful to members of the public who provide tips about people with suspected stolen NRZ property.