Following a major disruption to Metrorail services on Monday in the Leralla-Tembisa line due to theft of 60 metres of cable between Limindlela and Leralla

Metrorail security apprehended seven suspects on Tuesday in connection with the theft, Prasa said in a statement.

"These suspects are now in custody at the Tembisa police station.

"We are encouraged by this breakthrough and wish to send a strong appeal to communities to work with us and law enforcement agencies in bringing an end to this heinous crime which affects the livelihood of ordinary South Africans who rely on our rail network to travel to work, school and other centres of economic activity daily."

Cable theft is one of the biggest contributors to delays and cancellations, Prasa said.

"We will continue to work with law enforcement authorities and other organs of state to ensure that more of these criminals who continue to sabotage our services are brought to book, and the scrap dealers who continue to buy stolen cable face the full might of the law."