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Transnet Pipelines welcomes seven-year sentence for diesel thief

23rd June 2026

By: Sabrina Jardim

Senior Online Writer

     

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State-owned Transnet Pipelines (TPL) has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of one person for the theft of diesel belonging to TPL.

The entity describes this as a significant step in the fight against fuel theft and related criminal activities.

The matter dates back to August 27, 2022, when an employee of a logistics company contracted to transport diesel recovered from a spill site in Mooi River, arrived at TPL's Jameson Park Depot to offload the product.

During routine verification processes, TPL says significant discrepancies were detected between the volume loaded and the volume delivered, prompting an investigation into the matter.

Subsequent investigations established that about 24 079 l of diesel had been unlawfully removed from the tanker before arriving at the depot. The stolen product was valued at more than R544 000.

Following the discovery, TPL says its security team intervened, resulting in the suspect's arrest at the depot and a criminal case opened against the suspect with the South African Police Service.

The investigation was led by the Hawks, with support from the TPL security team.

Recently, TPL says the Nigel Magistrate's Court found the suspect guilty of theft and sentenced him to seven years' direct imprisonment. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Following sentencing, the accused elected not to lodge an appeal and accepted the court's judgment.

"This conviction sends a strong message that the theft of fuel is a serious offence that will not go unpunished.

“This successful prosecution reinforces our commitment to safeguarding Transnet's assets and ensuring accountability where criminal conduct occurs. We will continue working closely with law enforcement to ensure that those who target our infrastructure face the full consequences of the law,” says TPL CE Sibongiseni Khathi.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Online Managing Editor

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