State-owned Transnet and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaborative efforts between them in the fight against theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure across Transnet’s logistics network.

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

The strategic partnership between Transnet and SAPS is a step in the right direction in efforts to turn the tide against the disruptive incidents of theft and vandalism, Transnet says.

“The signing of this MoU represents a critical step forward in securing our country’s essential infrastructure and combating organised crime,” says Transnet Group CE Michelle Phillips.

“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,” she says.

“This agreement will ensure joint implementation of optimised policing and security of Transnet’s critical and essential infrastructure; ensure effective deployment of SAPS personnel in conjunction with existing Transnet security resources,” says SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

The MoU will see the partners coordinate to minimise duplication of functions, as well as coordinate and integrate SAPS and Transnet's roles to maintain safe and secure critical and essential infrastructure, he says.

The protection of critical and essential infrastructure is a priority for the SAPS, and a partnership such as this enables better coordination of resources between the SAPS and Transnet.

“Damage to Transnet's infrastructure constitutes economic sabotage and, in line with our mandate, we must act against any form of attacks on Transnet infrastructure,” he notes.