Four arrested for stealing railway rails

Four suspects were caught with stolen railway rails with an estimated value of more than R300 000.

Constable Deon Mackenzie standing near the rails that were stolen from a train track between Westonaria and Oberholzer.

Randfontein Police have arrested four suspects in Aureus for stealing railway rails between Westonaria and Oberholzer on Tuesday.

Sergeant Carmen Hendricks, Randfontein Police spokesperson said police received a complaint of theft after suspects were busted by 2RM Security officers in Aureus.

“Police found a 2RM Security officer who informed them about stolen rails he had found on the premises of a scrap yard when following up on information.

The rails were shown to the police members and were positively identified as those relating to a case that was opened at the Westonaria Police,” Hendricks said.

The security officers pointed out the four suspects to the police and they were taken to the Randfontein Police cells.

It is believed that a blow torch was used to cut the rails from the train track.

“The suspects will appear in the Randfontein Magistrates’ Court soon,” Hendricks confirmed.

Brigadier Mashole Jacob Manamela, the Randfontein Police station commander expressed his gratitude towards the security company and commended them for their dedication and hard work.

According to Johnny White, manager of 2RM Security the value of the stolen material is estimated to be approximately R330 000.