Vandalism, theft threaten NRZ operations
THE spate of theft and vandalism of the railway transport infrastructure is increasingly becoming a threat to economic viability while also endangering human lives and crippling bulk commercial cargo movement, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), has said.
Given the critical significance of NRZ in bulk freight transportation in the country, the company has called for increased stakeholder collaboration in bringing the culprits to book and ensuring the protection of strategic national assets.
NRZ spokesperson, Mr Andrew Kunambura, said the parastatal was losing more property and infrastructure to vandalism and theft, and lobbied law enforcement to assist.
“We have seen a proliferation of theft and vandalism of NRZ property by some criminals, mainly in mining areas where we have gold panners targeting some of our railway components like spring fasteners, which they use to make chisels,” he said.
“These components have to stabilise the railway line because they clip the rail to the sleepers. So, when they are removed they become loose then our trains are susceptible to derailments, which can cause loss of cargo, damaging of our rolling stock, as well as potential death to our crews,” said Mr Kunambura.
“For that reason, we have lobbied the justice delivery system, from police to the prosecutors, magistrates and judges so that we can have a situation where these are classified as extremely important national treasures.
“So, whoever is found in possession of these materials is now sentenced to a mandatory 10 years in prison.”Mr Kunambura said previously those found in possession of NRZ property were sentenced according to the value of what they stole and people would get away with only paying fines without looking at the broader danger it causes to people, infrastructure and the economy.
“We thank the justice delivery system for taking these issues seriously and imposing highly deterrent sentences so that we can safeguard our infrastructure,” said Mr Kunambura.
Meanwhile, four men were last week sentenced to 10 years each for stealing railway components on three separate occasions.Lazarus Shereni and Knowledge Muguve were sentenced to 10 years in prison each for stealing two wagon clips valued at US$200.
In another case, NRZ said Brighton Muyeye was given a 10-year jail term after being found with 14 coach screws, one brake block and one brake adjuster valued at US$77.
“Also handed a 10-year prison sentence was Mateu Daniel Muyambo who was arrested after being found with 11 coach screws, one clayton coupler, two spring fasteners, one rail fastener, two sole plates and three iron sleepers valued at US$106,” reads the post.
“The NRZ is happy to note that the courts are imposing mandatory deterrent sentences to those convicted of stealing its property and vandalising infrastructure.”-chroncile
