R10 million Transnet infrastructure recovered in Qonce scrap yard raid as two men arrested
A major police operation has uncovered suspected stolen Transnet railway infrastructure worth an estimated R10 million, leading to the arrest of two men at a scrap yard outside Qonce in the Eastern Cape.
The discovery is another significant breakthrough in South Africa’s ongoing battle against the theft of critical rail infrastructure, a crime that continues to disrupt freight services, damage the economy and place immense pressure on the country’s transport network.
The operation was carried out on 15 July 2026 after authorities acted on intelligence received about suspected stolen railway equipment being stored at a scrap metal dealership in Ndevana.
A multidisciplinary team comprising the Mount Ruth Rapid Rail Unit, Transnet officials, and members of Ndevana SAPS searched the premises, where they recovered a large quantity of railway equipment that was identified as belonging to Transnet.
Among the recovered items were 49 rolls of overhead track equipment, 18 railway rails, each weighing approximately 40 kilograms, four transformer batteries, and a bag containing damaged copper.
Police arrested two suspects at the scene. They are a 25 year old employee and the 35 year old owner of the scrap yard.
The pair have been charged with possession of suspected stolen property and contravening the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015.
Following the arrests, a criminal case was registered at Ndevana Police Station before being transferred to the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit, which has taken over the investigation.
The suspects made their first appearance in the Qonce Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2026.
The 25 year old employee was granted bail while investigators continue their enquiries. The 35 year old scrap yard owner remained in custody and is expected to return to court on 28 July 2026.
Authorities say the recovery forms part of an ongoing crackdown on the theft and illegal trade of railway infrastructure, which has become one of the most damaging forms of organised crime affecting South Africa’s rail network.
The theft of cables, rails and other railway equipment has repeatedly disrupted Transnet operations, delayed freight movement and resulted in millions of rand in losses. Law enforcement agencies have intensified intelligence driven operations targeting criminal syndicates and businesses suspected of facilitating the trade in stolen infrastructure.
The investigation into the recovered equipment and its origins remains ongoing.
