The chief executive of Transnet Pipelines (TPL), Michelle Phillips, has said the state-owned logistics utility welcomes the conviction and sentencing late last week of four people in the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court.
“They were arrested for tampering with the crude oil pipeline in July 2020,” a statement issued on behalf of Phillips said.
“The main accused was found guilty of tampering with essential infrastructure, for which he was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, as well as theft of crude oil for which he was sentenced to a further 15 years’ imprisonment, both sentences to run concurrently.
“His three co-accused were convicted on section 49 (1) of the Immigration Act and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, whereafter they will be deported.”
The utility said it extended its appreciation to all the teams who worked tirelessly on the case to achieve these convictions.
“The sentencing sends a strong message to other perpetrators that the dedicated team from the Security Task Teams, The Hawks, SAPS Crime Intelligence, State Security Agency, the National Prosecuting Authority and local South African Police Services will ensure that all offenders who tamper, or collude to tamper, with the pipeline will be charged and prosecuted.”
The statement comes after TPL suffered yet more interference with its infrastructure earlier this month when pipeline valves near Harrismith were apparently tampered with.
Footage after the incident showed thousands of litres of diesel gushing into the Meul River near Verkykerskop.
Phillips said at the time that interference with the pipeline’s pressure had been detected and that necessary actions had been implemented to stop what some sources said had posed a significant risk to the environment and public safety.
Phillips added that the necessary precautionary measures had been taken to protect the Vaal Dam against incoming polluted water from the Meul River.
Following last week’s news of the prosecution of people charged with fuel theft, TPL said: “The successful convictions are an indication that intelligence and surveillance task teams, as well as the collaboration with other key role-players dedicated to fighting this scourge of fuel theft, are paying off.
“To date, 155 suspects have been arrested and six successful convictions have now been secured.
“Transnet continues to urge all petroleum retailers and members of the public to refrain from buying 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 trucks, bakkies, tankers or activity near the company’s infrastructure by calling the TPL toll-free number 0800 203 843, or report the matter to the nearest SAPS station.”
