NRZ dismisses railway line theft reports

The National Railway of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has dismissed social media reports purporting that a railway line has been stolen from Zimbabwe.

This week social media was awash with messages alleging that a rail stretch was stolen but the messages could not describe the exact location or country where the alleged criminal activity occurred.

In an interview with The Herald over the issue, NRZ public relations manager, Mr Nyasha Maravanyika dismissed the allegations.

"The NRZ would like to advise its valued customers and publics that the visual which has gone viral since Sunday 30 May 2021 of a long stretch of rail that was stolen at some unknown place and geographical site. The picture does not inform its audiences in which country, city, town or place the visual was taken and time it was photographed.

"The NRZ would like to put it on record that the organisation patrols and maintains its railway track on a weekly basis to ensure that operations are not disturbed. NRZ operates throughout the country with patrolmen who oversee the maintenance and functionality of its rail whether its main line or sidings," he said.

He added that reports in form of "situational traps" are produced on a consistent basis that advise of train accidents, fatalities, rail damages and any other incidents that may curtail the normal train movements.

"NRZ officially informs its customers and publics that the viral visual has not been taken on any NRZ network or siding in and around Zimbabwe."

"It is in this regard that NRZ allays any fears or panic that its customers or public may have as the NRZ system or any other rail siding is intact and has not succumbed to any such thefts as per our understanding."

"We regret any inconveniences caused to our valued customers and publics in the country, regionally and beyond," he said.