Theft of Railway Materials on Livingstone-Victoria Falls Line

[John Ashworth]

Theft Of Railway Materials Hamper Train Operations On The Livingstone-Victoria Falls Line

Earlier this week, Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) suspended train operations between Livingstone and Victoria Falls Town on the Zimbabwean side following a theft of 647 Pandrol Clips by unknown people...

this was the first time that they have experienced theft of such magnitude on this particular line. It has largely been quite and secure compared to other sections of the main line. Theft of vital rail components is treated as sabotage and culprits have to face the full force of the law.

Zambia’s railway infrastructure is treated as a national asset and is protected by the Amended Railway Act of 1984. Those convicted of rail crimes such as theft of Pandrol clips and fish plates are considered saboteurs and face up to 21 years in prison, under the law...