State-owned Transnet Pipelines has welcomed the conviction of two fuel theft perpetrators by the Newcastle regional court, in KwaZulu-Natal, on April 8.
This follows an operation conducted by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), in collaboration with local law enforcement, resulting in the apprehension of four suspects involved in crude oil theft at a Transnet pipeline near the Karbochem factory, in Newcastle, in July 2021.
Transnet Pipelines says 39 000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered from the scene.
The first accused was given a 15-year sentence for tampering with essential infrastructure and 15 years for fuel theft.
The second accused received two 12-year sentences for tampering with essential infrastructure and fuel theft.
"This conviction continues to send a strong message to all criminals and crime syndicates that tampering with our critical and essential infrastructure will not be tolerated, and that the full might of the law will be enforced against anyone caught doing so," Transnet Pipelines acting CE Sibongiseni Khathi said in a statement issued on April 9.
An arrest warrant has been issued for a third suspect, who is currently evading authorities.
The fourth suspect cooperated with the State and turned witness.