Two suspects found dead after Transnet fuel theft attempt
It is suspected that they were overcome by fumes while trying to siphon petrol from the pipeline
16 January 2023 - 17:18
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Transnet has urged petrol retailers and the public not to buy fuel from unregistered traders. Picture: WALDO SWIEGERS/BLOOMBERG
The bodies of two alleged thieves were found near Kibler Park in Johannesburg in the latest Transnet fuel theft attempt at the weekend.
One body was found in a structure and one in a tunnel leading to the petrol pipeline near Kibler Park.
“It is suspected that they were overcome by fumes while trying to siphon petrol from the pipeline on Saturday night,” Transnet Pipelines said.
It said the structure and tunnel were demolished on Sunday.
“The incident at the weekend is a reminder to perpetrators that tampering with petrol pipelines and associated infrastructure can lead to disastrous consequences, including injuries and fatalities, extensive environmental damage and fire.”
This financial year, Transnet had 90 fuel theft incidents. Its specialised tactical teams, with aerial and ground support, apprehended 68 suspects, including two alleged kingpins, as the entity sought to halt the onslaught of criminal activities and keep pipelines and communities safe.
Transnet urged petrol retailers and the public not to buy fuel from unregistered traders to help curb the demand for illegal petrol and to join in the fight against theft.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Two suspects found dead after Transnet fuel theft attempt
It is suspected that they were overcome by fumes while trying to siphon petrol from the pipeline
The bodies of two alleged thieves were found near Kibler Park in Johannesburg in the latest Transnet fuel theft attempt at the weekend.
One body was found in a structure and one in a tunnel leading to the petrol pipeline near Kibler Park.
“It is suspected that they were overcome by fumes while trying to siphon petrol from the pipeline on Saturday night,” Transnet Pipelines said.
It said the structure and tunnel were demolished on Sunday.
“The incident at the weekend is a reminder to perpetrators that tampering with petrol pipelines and associated infrastructure can lead to disastrous consequences, including injuries and fatalities, extensive environmental damage and fire.”
This financial year, Transnet had 90 fuel theft incidents. Its specialised tactical teams, with aerial and ground support, apprehended 68 suspects, including two alleged kingpins, as the entity sought to halt the onslaught of criminal activities and keep pipelines and communities safe.
Transnet urged petrol retailers and the public not to buy fuel from unregistered traders to help curb the demand for illegal petrol and to join in the fight against theft.
TimesLIVE
Minerals Council, Transnet back on track
Good and bad news for the mining industry
LETTER: Over to you, BBC
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
EDITORIAL: Government should take up Minerals Council offer to help sort out ...
Transnet tries to ease truck congestion at Richards Bay
LETTER: Transnet halts spares deal with China’s CRRC using unfathomable logic
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.