A pair of fuel theft suspects, who were apparently overcome by fumes in a Transnet tunnel, died while attempting to siphon petrol from a pipeline in Johannesburg at the weekend.
Transnet Pipelines chief executive, Michelle Phillips, said in a statement that the bodies of the two alleged fuel thieves had been found on site on Saturday night.
“In the latest fuel theft attempt incident over the weekend, the bodies of two perpetrators have been found, one in the structure and one in the tunnel leading to the petroleum pipeline near Kibler Park in Johannesburg. It is suspected that they were overcome by fumes while trying to siphon petrol from the pipeline on Saturday night. The structure and tunnel were demolished yesterday (Sunday),” Phillips said.
“The incident over the weekend is a harsh reminder to perpetrators that tampering with the petroleum pipelines and associated infrastructure can lead to disastrous consequences, including personal injuries and fatalities, extensive environmental damage, and fire.”
Phillips added that Transnet had reported 90 fuel theft incidents during the current financial year.
“Together with our specialised tactical teams, inclusive of aerial and ground support, we have made 68 arrests - inclusive of two kingpins - demonstrating the commitment to halt the onslaught of criminal activities and keep our pipelines and communities safe.”
Phillips warned that all fuel thieves would “face the full might of the law” as tampering with the pipeline, or colluding to tamper, was a Schedule 5 offence in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, Act 18 of 2015.
Transnet has repeatedly warned petrol retailers and the public to refrain from buying fuel from unregistered traders, to curb the demand for illegal petroleum products.
“Transnet will act with the full might of the law to deal with all would-be perpetrators and organised crime syndicates planning to steal fuel from the pipeline network,” Phillips added. Transnet has urged the public to report any suspicious activity, including the presence of bakkies, tankers or activity near the company’s infrastructure, by calling the toll-free number 0800 203 843 and reporting it to the nearest police station.
