Improved security has helped Transnet Pipelines (TP) to swoop on fuel siphoning, arresting 16 suspects in the past week, a TP statement issued early this morning says.
According to Michelle Phillips, TP chief executive, the arrests were linked to a number of attempted fuel theft incidents which could have resulted in loss of fuel and extensive damage to the Transnet pipelines in three provinces.
The statement says that the suspects were arrested when attempting to steal fuel from a pipeline situated between Kendal and Witbank in Mpumalanga province.
“Other arrests took place in the Sasolburg area, the Free State province and the Bronkhorstspruit area on the Kendal to Waltloo pipeline in Gauteng.
“Police also impounded fuel tankers, machinery and vehicles.”
The arrests provide yet more evidence of the efficacy of law enforcement collaboration involving the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (“Hawks”), National Crime Intelligence, and the SA Police Service in securing TP infrastructure and supply.
“The swift action by all stakeholders involved enabled TP teams to bring the entire line back into operation within 24 hours, averting possible impact on the security of supply,” the statement adds.
TP has urged all petroleum retailers and members of the public not to buy fuel from unregistered traders to curb the demand for illegal petroleum products.
“Transnet also calls on all its stakeholders to join in the fight against petroleum theft by reporting any suspicious bakkies, tankers or activity near the company’s infrastructure by calling the toll-free number 0800 203 843.”
