On 1 September, 21 suspects were apprehended at a Transnet depot in Swartkops, Gqeberha, after security personnel spotted intruders and alerted the South African Police Service (SAPS). The suspects were found hiding on the premises with bags containing copper bus bars, transformers, electrical switches, and cables—items collectively valued at approximately R350,000.

In a separate incident on 3 September, a multidisciplinary police team recovered copper cable worth an estimated R3 million at an unregistered scrapyard in De Deur, Gauteng. Five suspects were arrested at the scene.

Officers also seized homemade stoves allegedly used to burn insulation off the copper. Preliminary investigations confirmed the cable originated from Transnet infrastructure.

The five suspects are expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on charges including possession of stolen infrastructure, unlicensed dealing in second-hand goods, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips praised the arrests, citing them as evidence of growing success in efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates targeting essential infrastructure.

“Our work is beginning to make serious inroads,” she said, “and we will continue to focus on fighting crimes responsible for the destruction of our essential infrastructure.”

Separately, three individuals were convicted and sentenced by the Molteno Regional Court in the Eastern Cape on 27 August for copper cable theft, possession of stolen copper, and immigration violations. The case stemmed from a December 2021 intelligence-led operation in the Stormberg area, where police intercepted vehicles transporting stolen copper cable.

Each of the three convicts received 15-year prison sentences for theft and possession, plus an additional three months for breaching immigration laws. The investigation was led by the Komani-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Hawks.

Transnet acknowledged the role of SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, Eskom, PRASA, and other state entities in securing these outcomes.

Written by Africa Ports & Ships and republished with permission. The original article can be found here.

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Today, Damen provides maritime solutions in the form of shipbuilding and operational support across Africa including from its base in Cape Town.

Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) is owned by the global group Damen Shipyards and South African Montsi investments. It was established in 2007 when the Damen Group took over the business of Farocean.

DSCT is a recognised supplier to South African Government bodies such as the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF – now Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment), The Robben Island Museum (RIM), and the South African Navy (SAN).

The company has also built and supplied vessels to private companies such as Smit Amandla Marine (now Africa Marine Solutions Group) and De Beers Marine.

As a leader in the shipbuilding industry, Damen says it is committed to advancing Africa’s maritime sector through state-of-the-art vessel construction and strategic regional partnerships.

“We pride ourselves on our ability build vessels in Africa for Africa, to our clients’ specifications, on time and within budget and we are committed to the growth and modernisation of the African maritime industry,” said Sefale Montsi, Director at DSCT. “Our focus on using local materials and developing local suppliers not only ensures world-class quality but also supports job creation and maritime entrepreneurship in South Africa.”

Said Jos Govaarts, Managing Director at DSCT: “Since 2007 our business has forged strategic partnerships within the maritime industry that have helped to strengthen South Africa’s shipbuilding capacity and contribute to the economic development of the region. Our shipyard in Cape Town is deeply invested in local content and skills development and we ensure that our projects create sustainable jobs, foster supplier growth, and have a lasting positive impact on the communities in which we operate.”

In addition to shipbuilding, the company says it provides comprehensive operational support and maintenance execution, ensuring that vessels remain in peak condition throughout their lifespan. This includes Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), technical assistance, crew training, and a full range of maintenance, repair and conversion services.

Mark Grootboom, Head of Supply Chain at DSCT, added: “Our approach to operational support and maintenance execution is designed to maximise vessel longevity and efficiency. We believe that by offering these services, we can help our clients achieve minimal downtime and reduced life cycle costs, which are crucial in today’s competitive maritime environment.”

Damen Shipyards has successfully delivered on several significant projects across the continent. Notable projects include:

Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels (MMIPVs) for the South African Navy: DSCT has built three 62-metre Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels designed to fortify South Africa’s maritime security. Tailored to counter piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling operations, the first MMIPV was successfully delivered in 2022, with the subsequent vessels delivered in 2023 and 2024. DSCT said this project exemplifies its collaboration with local suppliers and the South African government, reinforcing its commitment to fostering local expertise and economic growth.

Lillian Ngoyi Class Patrol Vessel for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: Built in Cape Town, the class of three ships were commissioned in 2004 and are tasked with fishery protection, search and rescue, and can operate up to 200 nautical miles from shore. The vessels measure 46.8 metres in length, with a beam of 8.11 metres and a displacement of 353 tons.

Tug for the Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA): In 2023, Damen Shipyards Cape Town successfully delivered the Mohoma, a plough tug, to the TNPA in South Africa. This seagoing workboat is designed for both harbour and coastal services and is part of Damen’s shoal buster series. The vessel’s name is derived from the Sesotho word meaning “to plough”.

100-Meter Landing Support Ship for the Nigerian Navy: Damen in 2022 delivered a 100-metre Landing Support Ship to the Nigerian Navy. Equipped with advanced Combat Management and Integrated Platform Management Systems, this vessel significantly enhances Nigeria’s naval operational capabilities.

Benguela Gem – Diamond Recovery Vessel for Namibia: In a joint venture with the De Beers Group and the Namibian government, Damen constructed the 177-metre Benguela Gem, heralded as the world’s most advanced diamond recovery vessel. Unveiled in 2022, this vessel “showcases cutting-edge technology and engineering prowess, solidifying Damen’s reputation for delivering specialised maritime assets that drive economic development,” the company said.

Damen Fast Crew Supplier 2710 for the Egyptian Offshore Market: Catering to the needs of the Egyptian offshore industry, Damen delivered the Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 2710 in 2022. Designed for the rapid and efficient transportation of crew and supplies, the project underscores Damen’s ability to support energy sectors across Africa.

“Damen Shipyards continues to demonstrate its leadership in maritime innovation, strategic partnerships, and its unwavering dedication to advancing Africa’s maritime infrastructure and capabilities,” the company concluded.

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This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed proclamations 181, 182, 183 and 184 of 2024, authorising the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration within Transnet, the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlement, the Umzumbe Local Municipality, and Masilonyana Local Municipality and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.

Proclamation 184 of 2024

Proclamation 184 of 2024 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration related to Siyabonga Gama’s reinstatement as Chief Executive Officer of Transnet Freight Rail in February 2011 and the payment of Gama’s legal costs following his reinstatement.

This includes any unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure incurred by Transnet concerning these matters.

“SIU is also authorised to probe allegations of serious maladministration in the procurement of or contracting for goods, works, or services of leased accommodation by Transnet and payments made about it in a manner that examines explicitly whether Transnet officials or agents acted corruptly or unduly to benefit themselves or others, leading to unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for Transnet,” SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said.

Kganyago said the SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditures incurred by or losses suffered by Transnet or the state about the contract for security services related to cable theft and preventing criminal activities against Transnet Freight Rail.

The contract was awarded to Abalozi Security Risk Advisory Services (Pty) Limited (formerly known as General Nyanda Security Advisory Services (Pty) Limited).

“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2007 and 13 September 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2007 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,” Kganyago said.

Proclamation 183 of 2024

Proclamation 183 of 2024 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration in procuring seven contracts at the Umzumbe Local Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.

The tenders under scrutiny include the construction of the Umzumbe municipal offices; rehabilitation of the Qwabe, Cabhane, Mabheleni, Magabha, Sgananda and Ndletshe Roads; construction of the Isipofu Access Road; construction work at the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre; construction of the Nkanini Indoor Sports Centre; construction of the  Ntatshana Access Road and bridge; and the three-year Electrification Turnkey Project (2015 to 2018), by or on behalf of the municipality.

“The SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the State. The investigation will also cover any unlawful or improper conduct by municipality officials, employees, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties.

“Additionally, the probe will examine the performance, poor performance, defective performance, or late performance by the service providers appointed by the municipality regarding the services delivered, performed, or rendered as part of the projects,” Kganyago explained.

The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2013 and 13 September 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2013 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts.

Proclamation 182 of 2024

Proclamation 182 of 2024 directs the SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration with two tenders at the Masilonyana Local Municipality.

The investigation will examine whether municipal officials, including service providers, or any other involved parties unduly benefit themselves or others, leading to unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure or financial losses for the municipality.

Kganyago said the contracts under scrutiny include the refurbishment of Brandfort Water Treatment Works and Raw Water Pump Stations; and upgrading of Brandfort Sport Centre Phase II.

“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 May 2020 and 13 September 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 May 2020 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,” Kganyago said.

Proclamation 181 of 2024

Proclamation 181 of 2024 mandates the SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration of two tenders in the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlement.

The SIU will investigate contracts including the procurement of, or contracting for,  goods, works and services for the construction of 150 ablution and sanitation infrastructure and facilities at Sicelo Shiceka informal settlement: Phase 1 and Evaton, and the procurement of, or contracting for goods, works and services about the construction of 180 walk units at Sicelo Shiceka extension five.

The probe will also examine whether the payments for these contracts adhered to National Treasury guidelines and ascertain whether the payments were irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for the municipality or the State.

Kganyago said the Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 April 2017 and 13 September 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 April 2017 and after the date of the Proclamation that is pertinent to the matters under investigation or involves the same persons, entities, or contracts.

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU will identify systemic failures and recommend measures to prevent future losses. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

“The SIU is also authorised under the SIU Act to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” Kganyago explained.

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Enhancing security at Transnet’s key operations is paramount for maintaining operational efficiency, economic stability and national security, Transnet said.

The signing of the MoU took place at the Transnet School of Rail at Esselen Park in Kempton Park.

Michelle Phillips, Transnet Group Chief Executive, described the signing of the MoU between Transnet and the SAPS as representing a critical step forward in securing the country’s essential infrastructure and combating organised crime.

“Our partnership with SAPS has already yielded significant successes. One notable example is the dedicated support that SAPS provided to Transnet Pipelines where specialised resources helped us combat the theft and damage to our fuel infrastructure.

“By working together, we can ensure the continued reliability and efficiency of our critical infrastructure,” Ms Phillips said.

General Fannie Masemola, SAPS National Commissioner, said the MOU will ensure joint implementation of optimised policing and security of Transnet’s critical and essential infrastructure.

“It will ensure effective deployment of SAPS personnel in conjunction with existing Transnet security resources and coordinate each other’s performance to minimise duplication of functions,” he said. “The MoU will coordinate and integrate SAPS and Transnet roles to maintain a safe and secure Transnet critical and essential infrastructure.”

General Masemola said the protection of critical and essential infrastructure is a priority for the SAPS.

“A partnership such as this one is greatly welcome as it will enable better coordination of resources between the SAPS and Transnet. Damage to Transnet infrastructure constitutes economic sabotage, and in line with our mandate, we must act against any form of attacks on Transnet infrastructure.”

Written by Africa Ports & Ships and republished with permission. The original article can be found here.

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Transnet has now provided a rare insight into how it and its major customers structure and conduct operations covertly for the survival and functioning of a key South African rail communication route, which has been besieged by syndicates plundering and blocking export and import routes.

Fidelity is deployed on the economically vital Transnet North-East Corridor, one of South Africa’s key export routes, and on the coal line to the port of Richards Bay in KwaZulu Natal, Transnet confirmed on enquiry to ProtectionWeb.

It has emerged that a previously top-secret network of Transnet customers has formed a collaborative security network with the utility and have contracted Fidelity to protect the Richards Bay Coal terminal. Fidelity is also protecting the railway line in a parallel operation until at least October 2024.

The Fidelity operation has been ongoing for over a year and will continue to do so until such time a lawful reason emerged to set aside the tender, Transnet said.

Fidelity Group chairperson Wahl Bartmann has pledged Fidelity’s full support for the Transnet probe, initiated recently after a complaint by the African Security Congress (ASC), a political party established as a self-appointed pressure group for security guards and security companies.

Bartmann said in a media statement that Fidelity had succeeded in reducing crime by 75% on the strategic North-East Corridor for Transnet Freight Services.

Transnet also confirmed that none of the other security companies working on the tender are being probed alongside Fidelity. The ASC allegations were met with widespread scepticism and even outright suspicion by many in the private security industry, and even sparked calls for ASC commercial connections and financing to be investigated in turn.

“It seems abundantly clear that ASC is itself trying to influence the appointment of service providers or possibly even trying to stop crucial security operations at Transnet by Fidelity and which are absolutely in the public and national interest,” one highly placed source told ProtectionWeb.

ASC could not be reached for comment and telephone calls were not answered.

Despite initiating the internal probe, Transnet has protested its innocence of any impropriety in awarding the contract. According to the entity, the contract has been operational with Fidelity and others since as far back as July 2023.

Asked by ProtectionWeb whether operations by Fidelity ceased whilst the present tender investigation was in progress, Transnet refuted the possibility.

“No, the purpose of Transnet investigations is to establish whether a transaction involved evidence of irregularity. Until such is determined there is no lawful reason to suspend or review a contract for set-aside,” Transnet said in a statement in response to a ProtectionWeb enquiry.

Transnet went on to state it “has not undertaken any investigations of this nature (parallel to the Fidelity probe) on its security service providers” when asked if other security companies it deploys were also being investigated.

Further details on the operational structuring of the Fidelity tender, awarded after an open competitive tender process, and other collaborative operations with Transnet customers were provided on request by Transnet.

Transnet appointed Fidelity as the Outcome Based Security (OBS) on the North-East Corridor in July 2023. The Richards Bay Coal Terminal and Coal Line contracted Fidelity, and through a Mutual Collaboration Agreement with Transnet customers, appointed the security group on a cost-sharing basis from 1 April to 31 July 2024. The contract was extended for three months to October 2024.

Richard Bay Coal Terminal’s security service provider is Linear Management Systems (LMS) which is managing Fidelity to protect the coal line. Transnet does not hold a contract with LMS, Transnet said.

Earlier, Transnet said it was regrettable that the “peddled narrative” in media reports held that it had cancelled a previous tender for the manufacture of a Contact Wire Reflector (CWR) device to free resources to appoint Fidelity.

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On Monday last week (19 August 2024), at the Nxuba Magistrate’s Court (formerly Cradock) in the Eastern Cape the four were found guilty and sentenced to a collective 50 years in prison.

Charlie van Dyk, 43, Elandre Senekal, 29, Michelle van Straaten, 23, and Kwakhanya Bolowana, 28, were convicted on charges of housebreaking, damaging essential infrastructure and theft.

This relates to an incident which took place at the Scalen Rail Station on Mortimer Road in Nxuba in March 2023, in which four batteries, transformers, and cables, valued at R57 000 were stolen.

The four individuals received five years for housebreaking and 15 years for damage to essential infrastructure, and 15 years for theft. Senekal and Van Straaten were jailed for an effective 20 years, while van Dyk and Bolowana will serve 30 years.

TFR Acting General Manager Security and Forensic, Shawn Johnson, said that security-related incidents on TFR’s rail network continues to have a crippling impact on its operations, leading to train delays, cancellations, and tonnage losses.

“Criminal syndicates attack the rail network, targeting essential rail infrastructure by damaging, tempering, vandalising, and disrupting rail operations,” Johnson said.

“In July this year, we had 481 criminal-related incidents on our rail network, including cable theft and vandalism.”

Johnson added that the TFR security department continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, customers, and other state-owned companies to address the ongoing criminal attacks on the rail networks.

Written by Africa Ports & Ships and republished with permission. The original article can be found here.

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The Newcastle Regional Court sentenced Boitumelo Mathabatha and MacDonald Ndlovu on Monday after they were found guilty of theft of crude oil and tampering or damaging essential infrastructure.

The crude oil was valued at R400000.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said police were notified of an abandoned truck found in a field in Newcastle on 20 July 2021.

“The truck was empty but the keys were in the ignition and there were two trailers attached to the truck. There was a fuel pipe attached to the truck and a fresh hole in the ground next to the truck. It was discovered that the tankers were filled with crude oil that the accused had accessed by digging into an extensive underground pipeline belonging to Transnet.”

“The accused had hired the truck and the driver to carry out their plans. Once the hired driver realised that they were stealing, he notified his employer (the truck owner) and Mathabatha and Ndlovu were arrested,” she said.

State prosecutor Advocate Kogi Ramkilawon led the truck driver’s and truck owner’s evidence in court. “Cellphone evidence proved vital for the state in this matter as it linked the accused directly to the crime. In aggravation of the sentence, Ramkilawon told the court that the offence was a premeditated one and was likely linked to a syndicate operation. She said that damage to infrastructure has a huge impact on the country,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

Ramkilawon also led the evidence of a Bidvest manager, who assisted Transnet with security.

“In his testimony, the man said that it costs several million rands to repair damaged essential infrastructure. He added that it takes the soil about 20 years to recover from crude oil spillages,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

She said Mathabatha and MacDonald were sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for theft and 15 years imprisonment for tampering and damaging essential infrastructure.

“Since the sentences will run concurrently, they will serve an effective sentence of 15 years imprisonment. They were also declared unfit to possess a firearm. In addition to the sentence, the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the NPA was granted a preservation order for an amount of approximately R49000 in cash and a Toyota Fortuner,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, Advocate Elaine Harrison said: “The damaging and theft of fuel from the fuel pipeline causes major financial losses to the economy. Every successful prosecution is indicative of law enforcement agencies addressing the issue. We will continue to vigorously address this crime to ensure that more cases are investigated and successfully prosecuted.”

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