Cable theft causes key Transnet line suspension

JOHANNESBURG - Operations have been suspended on one of Transnet's two heavy haul rail lines, the Ore Corridor.

Transnet says this is due to cable theft that caused a power failure on Tuesday night.

READ: Transnet turning up the heat on copper thieves

Transnet Freight Rail's Ore Corridor stretches up to 861km from Sishen in the Northern Cape to Saldanha Bay on the West Coast.

The line transports iron ore for export purposes and has become one of the economically important platforms.

READ: Cable theft costs SA billions of rand: analyst

The state-owned freight rail group says 11 spans of catenary and contact wire were stolen.

Transnet says it's in regular contact with its customers and stakeholders on work being done to get the line open again.

Law enforcement agencies are investigating the theft.