A thief who stole 40 000 litres of diesel from a Transnet pipeline has been convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment.
Transnet Pipelines Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips, said on Thursday that the latest arrest, conviction and sentencing of the suspect brought the total number of recent fuel theft convictions to 16.
The suspect appeared in the Vrede Regional Court on Tuesday where he was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after being convicted for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure.
“Transnet welcomes the sentencing of a perpetrator arrested for tampering with the petroleum pipeline and theft of 40 000 litres of diesel,” said Phillips.
“Transnet extends its appreciation to all the teams that worked on the case and achieved another conviction in this fight. His sentencing of five years imprisonment sends a strong message to other perpetrators that tampering with essential infrastructure is a serious offence that will be dealt with accordingly.”
She said Transnet Pipelines’ infrastructure had been targeted for fuel theft since 2019. “Transnet has collaborated with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (‘Hawks’), National Crime Intelligence and SAPS to deal with this challenge. To date 251 suspects have been arrested.
“This successful conviction is an indication that intelligence and surveillance task teams dedicated to fighting this crime are paying off, and that the collaboration with various role players is yielding positive results,” said Phillips.
She urged 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 vehicles, tankers or activity near the company’s infrastructure.”
Suspicious incidents can be reported to Transnet Pipelines’ toll free number 0800 203 843, or to the nearest police station.
