Mbalula vows to root out criminal syndicates targeting Prasa
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has launched a new security plan for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).
Mbalula launched the plan at Rhodesfield Station in Kempton Park on Wednesday.
Prasa and the police are battling to reduce cable theft and the theft of the rail agency's assets.
A total of 3 100 security guards have been insourced by Prasa.
"The Prasa Integrated Security Plan we are launching today has been in operation since mid-August and has already recorded successes. In August, the SAPS and Prasa protection services arrested six men in possession of copper cables and signaling equipment worth over R5,5-million," said Mbalula.
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Mbalula said the number of arrests have increased.
Prasa will in future screen every potential employee for a criminal record, with Mbalula saying the theft of Prasa assets has succeeded due to employees who assist criminal syndicates.
"As we tighten our grip in fighting this scourge, our strategy calls for prosecution-guided investigations and adherence to the principle of opposing bail.”
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