KEY POINTS
- Police arrested four suspects for siphoning fuel from a Transnet pipeline.
- Authorities deployed emergency teams to prevent a possible explosion.
- The suspects will appear in court as investigations into fuel theft syndicates continue.
Authorities acted swiftly to prevent a potential disaster after uncovering a fuel theft operation in an RDP settlement outside Alberton, Gauteng.
The suspects were caught siphoning petrol directly from a Transnet pipeline running beneath the Thina Sonke settlement.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, has launched a deeper probe into the case following the arrests.
The Gauteng police spokesperson, Lt. Col. Lloyd Ramovha, said the incident was first detected by Protea Coin security personnel during a routine patrol.
They were responding to reports of a leak along the pipeline stretching between Three Rivers, Vereeniging, and Alrode.
Around 6 a.m. on February 5, security teams arrived in the area and immediately detected the strong smell of petrol.
A thorough scan led them to a property where a hole had been dug, equipped with pipes designed to siphon fuel from the underground line.
Police arrest four suspects, community gathers
Authorities arrested four men between the ages of 25 and 70, two of whom were caught on-site at the illegal operation.
As news of the arrests spread, a crowd gathered, prompting the deployment of Public Order Policing units to maintain control and prevent any potential hazards.
Given the volatility of the situation, disaster management teams and firefighters were also called in to assess the risk of ignition and determine if evacuations were necessary.
Also, Lt. Col. Ramovha confirmed that repairs to the damaged pipeline are already underway.
According to IOL, the four suspects remain in police custody and are set to appear before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on February 7.
Fuel theft syndicates under investigation
The discovery of this operation raises concerns about organized fuel theft syndicates targeting Transnet pipelines.
Such illegal activities create multiple severe dangers, in terms of economic damage and public protection concerns.
Moreover, the escape of fuel from pipes results in dangerous fires and explosions, that cause severe environmental destruction.
Furthemore, clarification from authorities has become stronger to combat these syndicates, warning that anyone who tampers with fuel infrastructure will receive major legal repercussions.
Residents must report weird things that occur by fuel pipeline areas, as illegal pipe siphoning activities typically stay unnoticed until a leak or fire takes place.
