In what appears to be yet another attempt to siphon fuel from a feeder line of Transnet Pipelines (TP), one person has died, TP has reported.
Yesterday TP said that it had “activated its emergency response plan in the early hours of this morning when the National Operating Centre (NOC) detected a loss in pressure on the Kendal to Waltloo petroleum pipeline”.
Once on the scene, security teams discovered tampering at the block valve chamber with an unidentified deceased person inside.
TP stressed that this incident was a harsh reminder to perpetrators of the dangers associated with tampering with the high-pressure petroleum pipelines and its infrastructure.
“Their actions have resulted in fatalities, serious injuries, fire, explosions, environmental damage, and other asset damage.”
Over the past three years, tampering with its infrastructure had resulted in seven fatalities, TP said.
It warned that should the criminal activities continue, more people could die.
This incident follows the recent spill near Verkykerskop in the south-eastern Free State where similar tampering resulted in thousands of litres of fuel gushing into the Meul River, a feeder water source of the Vaal Dam.
The state-owned logistics utility said with the cooperation of all the law-enforcement agencies, it was committed to halting criminal activities and keeping its strategic infrastructure as well as all the communities safe.
The most recent incident has been reported to the authorities and an inquest docket has been opened.
Transnet has appealed to all residents living near its pipelines or driving past to report any suspicious activities near its infrastructure. The toll free number is 0800 203 843.
