THE recovery of 933 white metal bearings stolen from rolling stock in the Eastern Cape, each one with a replacement value of R800, has delighted Transnet.

“We are elated at this news and congratulate all the parties involved in hopefully bringing these criminals to book,” said Transnet spokesman Mike Asefovitz.

The haul comprises 855 bearings from narrow gauge wagons and 78 from wide gauge wagons.

Asefovitz said the approximate replacement value for each bearing was R800, amounting to slightly under R750000 for the entire haul.

Without the bearings, the wagons cannot be moved. There are eight bearings in each wagon.

“The theft means your rolling stock can‘t function and you can‘t deliver to your customer,” he said.

“Security is a great challenge. We have more than 20000km of track out there and to guard it is nearly impossible.”

The items were recovered after police received a tip-off about trucks parked in Sherwood, Port Elizabeth.

“There were two 10-ton trucks parked in the front yard,” said Superintendent Rodney Visser.

“We know who the trucks belong to and we are investigating the matter further. It‘s just a matter of time before we make some arrests.”

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