Operations on Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR) mainline between Sishen and Saldanha have resumed under tight security, after an almost 24-hour suspension due to cable theft this week.
TFR said that operations on the 861-kilometre line had been restored on Wednesday night and the police were working with it to investigate the incident.
“All mainline operations on the Ore Corridor have been restored, and security has been beefed up in the area,” TFR said.
The suspension followed a cable theft incident late on Tuesday night when suspects disconnected and stole 11 spans of catenary and contact wire near Olifantshoek in the Northern Cape.
The power on the line blacked out just before midnight on Tuesday, leading to the suspension of all operations.
“The line was restored at 22:34, on Wednesday night. The teams have commenced with the start-up plan, and all the details on the train service have been shared with the respective customers,” TFR said.
“Ongoing initiatives with law enforcement agencies and stakeholders are underway.”
