South Africa's rail network is grappling with a surge in stone-throwing incidents, which have risen by 22% to nearly 300 in the 2025/26 financial year. The Railway Safety Regulator's state of safety report identifies stone-throwing as a distinct hazard pathway that poses an immediate threat to passengers, train crew, and rolling stock. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in Gauteng and Western Cape, affecting the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa's operations.
The regulator attributes stone-throwing incidents to specific geographic hotspots, often adjacent to informal settlements, and influenced by local socioeconomic, behavioral, and community-related factors. These incidents frequently result in broken windows, passenger injuries, service disruptions, and reputational damage to rail operators. The report emphasizes that stone-throwing is a distinct community safety phenomenon that warrants separate regulatory treatment.
The Railway Safety Regulator's report also highlights a spike in fatalities on the rail network, with 175 people losing their lives and 357 injuries reported in the year. This represents a 25.9% increase in fatalities and 19.5% above the five-year average of 146.4 fatalities per annum. The total number of people who have died on the country's rail network over the past five years stands at 732, with the majority hit by trains.
While stone-throwing incidents are on the rise, theft of copper and other assets remains a significant concern on the rail network. Although there was a 10% decrease in incidents in the year under review, with 4,050 occurrences reported, theft still accounts for 70.9% of all security-related events. The regulator notes that the systemic risk of theft remains structurally elevated and that a coordinated, multi-agency response is required to mitigate the threat.
The Railway Safety Regulator is calling for a more concerted effort to combat syndicates vandalizing the rail network. The regulator recommends a jointly governed and implemented response involving the South African Police Service, other law enforcement bodies, and affected municipalities. This approach should be supported by measurable performance indicators for multi-agency partnerships and formal protocols for intelligence sharing and coordinated deployment.
Transnet has taken steps to enhance security on its central corridor, which spans across three provinces, by procuring the services of over 1,000 security guards, nearly 100 vehicles, and several crime-prevention motorcycles, K9 dogs, and water-resistant drones. The corridor is a vital thoroughfare and pivotal connection point for other corridors, supporting regional integration and serving as a feeder to several major ports.
The surge in stone-throwing incidents and theft on the rail network highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensure commuter safety and protect infrastructure. The Railway Safety Regulator's report emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues through a multi-agency response and institutionalizing asset protection as a continuous, collectively owned responsibility.
Key points
- The Railway Safety Regulator reported a 22% increase in stone-throwing incidents on South Africa's rail network in 2025/26.
- The rail network saw a spike in fatalities, with 175 people losing their lives and 357 injuries reported in the year.
- Theft of copper and other assets remains a significant concern, accounting for 70.9% of all security-related events on the rail network.
