Ogies – Three people who were transporting more than 2 000 litres of diesel – in plastic 20-litre containers – have been arrested on suspicion of theft.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the suspects, aged between 24 and 30, were arrested on Friday, (22 March 2024), through a tip-off.
The suspects were transporting the diesel in three bakkies – two Isuzus and one Nissan NP200 – when they were intercepted in Ogies by law enforcers including the Hawks and other police units that collaborated with private security companies.
Colonel Mdhluli said the arrested suspects were believed to be part of a syndicate involved in the theft of coal and diesel at various mines in Middleburg and surrounding areas.
Diesel is selling for about R24,92 per litre.
“All drivers could not produce the proof of purchase, hence they were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property, illegal dealing in diesel, and contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa,” Colonel Mdhluli said.
“The vehicles, and a generator as well as diesel pumping pipes were seized for further investigation.”
The arrested suspects, thought to be Zimbabwe nationals, will appear in the Ogies Magistrate’s Court in Ogies outside Emalahleni (formerly Witbank), Mpumalanga on Monday, (25 March 2024).
