During the company’s stakeholder’s meeting, Central East African Railways (Cear) has outlined that cargo theft by communities along the Nacala Corridor, cost the company a hefty $1 million (K740 million).

“Cargo theft it worsening and costing us money. Last year for instance, we lost about $1 million and clearly this is a huge risk on our business and investment in the country.” said Cear managing director Gustav Stein. He said that the vandals attack trains as they are passing by Nayuchi, Mkaya and other areas. “They open and remove the goods in the containers mostly fertilisers.”

Senior Chief Kawinga of Machinga admitted to have received reports of cargo theft along the railway line and committed to help the company curb the malpractice. Registering slow business in the second quarter of the year back in June, Cear Financial Manager, Christina Chithila also lamented that the railway company transported a lower amount of cargo, from 115 tonnes last year to 104 tonnes this year.