An attempt to steal infrastructure from a rail freight depot in Gqeberha was thwarted when police arrested 21 suspects at the Swartkops site on Monday.
Transnet said the SA Police Service made the arrests following prompt action by its security personnel, who spotted trespassers on the premises.
The suspects were found hiding with several bags filled with the following stolen items: copper bus bars, transformers, electrical switches, copper cables and electrical cables, which collectively have an estimated value of about R350 000, Transnet said.