Minister Urges Ban on Scrap Metal to Thwart Thefts

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Fikile Mbalula, Minister of Transport, South Africa has called for a ban on exports of scrap metal. This follows the rising number of theft and vandalism of critical railway infrastructure.

While addressing a media briefing on the White Paper on the National Rail Policy, the implementation of scrap metal export ban will further reinforce the government’s actions intended to protect public assets. Furthermore, it will make incidents of thefts of cables and other metals less attractive.

The government has been spending huge sums of money on stepping up security at stations and rail networks. However, only banning the export of scrap metal will curb the criminal acts. The minister requested cooperation of the country’s corporate sector in its efforts to thwart scrap metal theft and sales of stolen metal to scrap dealers.

The South African administration has reportedly commenced evaluating various proposals including introduction of a complete ban on exports, controlled scrap metal sales in domestic market and launching of a new licensing regime for merchants. Mandatory licensing system coupled with ban on cash dealing could help rein in theft and illegal trade of metals in the country.