The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Reporter
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is calling on the country to come up with more deterrent sentences to people found liable to theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure.
NRZ public relations manager Mr Nyasha Maravanyika said the number of theft and vandalism cases of rail infrastructure has been on the increase over the years, thus the need for the judiciary to come up with a heavy sentence to convicted criminals to stem the criminal activities.
“The NRZ is pleased with the prison sentences being meted out to people convicted of stealing its cables, but the rail entity feels more should be done.
“While NRZ is happy with the support from the judiciary, more needs to be done in order to deal decisively with the scourge of cable thefts,” he said.
The rail entity is calling for a review of the mandatory 10-year jail term for anyone found guilty of theft and vandalism of its property.
“Judging from the increase in the number of cases over the years, the 10-year mandatory jail term seems no longer deterrent enough. We urge the legislature to review the law and increase the mandatory jail term as cable thieves are risking lives and the economy of the country with their actions,” said Mr Maravanyika.
Since the beginning of the year, NRZ has lost cables worth $130 000 to theft with nine people having been arrested for the crime.
“Since the beginning of 2020, there has been an upsurge in cases of people stealing these cables, which are buried underground. So far this year, seven cases have been reported in which cables worth more than $130 000 were stolen.
“Three people have been convicted and sentenced to the mandatory 10 years in prison each. Six others have their cases pending at the courts,” said Mr Maravanyika.
He, however, commended efforts by the company’s security department and the country’s law enforcers, which has seen most of the culprits being arrested.
“The NRZ security branch, working together with State security agencies, is stepping up its patrols to account for people stealing railways property.
“Efforts by the NRZ security branch are bearing fruit as several arrests have been made with some leading to convictions,” said Mr Maravanyika.
As part of curbing the theft and vandalism of its infrastructure, NRZ has come up with a whistle-blowing facility.
“The NRZ has a number of campaigns, which it is running to try and curtail this scourge. The NRZ runs the vandalism and theft, rail or road level crossing, illegal gold panning, stone-throwing and safety, and the whistle-blowing campaigns to fight against the vandalism of rail equipment and infrastructure.
“The whistle-blowing programme rewards people who report cases of vandalism to its infrastructure and those who help protect railway assets,” said Mr Maravanyika.
@DNsingo
